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3 7 11 Work Session Materials_Sustainable DubuqueMasterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Work Session on Sustainable Dubuque March 7, 2011 - 5:00 p.m. DATE: March 4, 2011 Attached please find documentation for the Work Session on Sustainable Dubuque that will be held Monday, March 7, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach, Sustainable Community Coordinator Dubuque ketri AII- AmedcaCity 1111 2007 City of Dubuque Sustainable Dubuque Project Status Report — February 2011 COMPREHENSIVE PROJECTS Government: Sustainable Dubuque Performance Metrics (Top Priority): The establishment of the Sustainable Dubuque vision began in 2006 when the Mayor and City Council first established Sustainability as a priority and appointed the Sustainable Dubuque Task Force. In 2009, the Task Force brought to the Council a vision statement and 11 sustainability principles, which were unanimously approved and have since been adopted by the community. In addition to this framework, the Task Force identified Key Concepts, which were shared with the Council for informational purposes, and suggested action steps for each principle. It was decided at that time that the action steps were often too detailed and /or prescriptive, and needed more analysis before being adopted by Council. Since that time, many of the Task Force members, in addition to other community representatives, have formed the Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee. Many projects and initiatives have been started and completed to address the Sustainable Dubuque vision. In seeking to quantify the value of the work, it became clear that performance metrics were necessary for each of the sustainability principles. The City and Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee will work over the next year to analyze sustainability metric best practices from across the country, including the ICLEI STAR Community Index which City of Dubuque staff have been involved in creating. The City and Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee members will work with additional partners and the community to define key measurable outcomes and metrics for each of the sustainability principles, and to establish a reporting system that allows City staff and partners to submit data on a regular basis to update the Council and community on progress to meet their sustainability goals. Municipal Climate Action Plan: In July 2010, the Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory was presented to City Council. A baseline for all municipal operations was established for 2003 and 2007 as part of the ICLEI Five Milestone Process. The Milestone Process is as follows: 1. Conduct baseline emissions inventories and forecasts. 2. Adopt an emissions reduction target. 3. Develop a local climate action plan. 4. Implement policies and measures. 5. Monitor and verify results. A second Council work session was held in November 2010 to present to Council potential emission reduction targets. Council was presented initial information on what 65% emission reduction targets by 2015, 85% reductions by 2030, and 95% target reductions by 2050 might look like; additional analysis will be done by staff to determine what actions will be needed to meet those targets. $5,000 has been proposed in the FY 2012 budget to allow City staff to complete a 2010 update of municipal emissions and work with the City Green Team to identify opportunities for emission reduction. Staff will continue to work with ICLEI staff and other experts to analyze the implications of various targets in 2011 and 1 seek additional input from Council before recommending a Climate Action Plan. Green Team — Department Resource Savings Plans: Conversations and laying the groundwork for a Green Team began in 2009. The Green Team, comprised of close to 30 representatives from a cross section of City departments met for the first time on August 5, 2010 and has had a total of four meetings, meeting every other month. The (draft) Mission Statement developed by the team is: "The mission of the City of Dubuque Green Team is to lead in educating, communicating and implementing practices and technologies to achieve the Sustainable Dubuque vision, to work in each of the 11 areas of sustainability identified in that vision, to promote these practices among staff and departments; and to serve as an example for other organizations, groups, businesses and the broader community." In these initial meetings the discussions have covered such things as background information on the Sustainable Dubuque vision and the role of a Green Team, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and metrics. Subcommittees are being formed to work across departments especially in the areas of education, environmentally preferred purchasing, and developing a survey to obtain baseline information from departments and input into a departmental action plan template. This baseline information will be used to track measureable outcomes in the 11 sustainability principles. Smarter Sustainable Dubuque Partnership w/ IBM (Top Priority) Smarter Water • Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): o Meter Installation Update: By the end of 2011, each of the approximately 22,500 water meters in the City of Dubuque will be replaced with new meters. The new meters feature automated meter reading (AMR) abilities — eliminating the need to manually read each meter every month which will save the City more than $144,000 per year. The last time the water meters were replaced was in the early 1980's. In 30 years, not only has technology changed but so, too, has our environmental awareness in which there is a greater need to conserve resources such as water. The new meters are being replaced due to their age and inaccuracy of reading accurate flows. The new meters are outfitted with radio frequency meter interface unit (MIU), which collects meter usage data and remotely transmits the information to data collectors. The MIU and water meter work as a unit to detect intermittent Teaks, continuous leaks, reverse flow situations, and zero usage situations. The system will automatically transmit meter usage data over radio frequency waves each hour to data collectors placed throughout the community and will also allow for customers to see their own reading. The City opted to change invoicing customers based on cubic feet of water used to gallons so that customers could be more aware of just how much water they are using. Eliminating the manual reading of the water meters not only better benefits the environment, but it reduces costs for the City. The old meters were read once a month, but with the new meter installation the data can be read daily. If there are billing issues or problems, we can see them immediately. This 2 will provide more data at our fingertips to share with customers if there are questions. The new water meters, manufactured in the U.S. by Neptune Technology group, are also fitted with an unmeasured flow reducer (UFR), manufactured locally by A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing. The UFR allows measurement of flows below' gallon per minute — such as leaks and drips — that have been previously immeasurable, even by new meters and customers can easily read the display to see if they have an intermittent leak. A small water faucet icon displayed continuously on the meter shows the customer there's a continuous flow of water. The new system is an example of the City's ongoing sustainability initiative and allows water customers to identify waste and consider corrective measures which will translate into "smarter" water use and increased energy savings. More efficient water use will also reduce the use of both energy and chemicals in treating and delivering water. According to national research, 30 percent of households have water leaks. The city has created a grant program for financial assistance on costs of repairs of Teaks identified through the project. To date there have been 109 homeowners who have filed for assistance in the combined total amount of $4,253.94 being paid out. Participants in the Smarter Water pilot have access to new technology that provides data and insights into how water can be utilized more efficiently in their home. The benefits of the project will not only affect the individual customer, but the entire community. "Data should be available that will help citizens choose actions that make the most sense both in terms of their personal financial and environmental goals, as well as the long -term sustainability of the community in which they live." The data collected will also help the City make better decisions about water production and distribution, ultimately lowering costs. The funding for this $8.7 million project is from $7.7 million State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan and a $1 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) forgivable loan. The following is a breakdown of the program on where we are today. 311 - Neptune R -900 Series water meters have been installed as part of the City's Sustainability Initiative Pilot Program in part with IBM. 13,944 Neptune R -450 Series water meters have been installed as part of the City's Water Meter Change Out Program. The first 1,000 water meter sets of this series were part of the pilot study for this project to make sure all devices, transmitters and its software is properly working. A total of 14,255 water meters have been installed. A total of 11,579 Unmeasured Flow Reducer (UFR) have been installed where applicable. Northern Water Works Supply is currently installing approximately 450 3 meters weekly. The project is on schedule for completion in July 2011. Info Services Update: Data — City provided 2 years of anonomized historical data for both R900 and R450 meters. In addition to providing the historical and current data several person hours were spent haring information regarding metadata and data relationships. Anomolies in time - stamping and meter readings for R900 data were studied and discussed during several hours of conference calls and meetings. Wireless Receivers- Implementation of Hardware, Software and Network Infrastructure including configuration of (12) R450 collectors and (4) R900 gateways as well as implementation of fixes and enhancements as needed throughout the project. Information Services negotiated site access and use agreements with Dubuque Community Schools (Washington Middle School and Table Mound Elementary Schools), Holy Family Schools (Wahlert Catholic High School), St. Joseph Key West Church, Dubuque County /Sunny Crest (Sunnycrest Tower) and Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Marion Hall) for placement of receivers at these sites. Where possible City fiber, City 900 Mhz wireless or I -Net fiber has been used for backhaul from the receiver to the City's network resources making the backhaul very low cost and efficient. The City worked with Verity Three for specification and needs for receipt of the data and transfer to IBM for processing. • Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Initial results of pilot being review. 10% reduction in water utilization for engaged pilot homes seen. The statistics on the 14 weeks of the pilot are below and were compiled from data submitted by the City to IBM: Group I weeks 1 -8: (9/5 - 10/30) Groups I and II weeks 9 -14: (11/7 - 12/17) 4 60 50 40 20 Leak Reported SSD called volunteers ^ . � - __ " +2: __ �~ ��� :; ri ':a :, ,,�. .:w "':4 �Y:rarrui ^�'•ge:4:':. ^aiNaa': _ __ E_ M au . _ - : - ah°.'.'t� vrn� ^ +if.4�r:Ui�v�4;i W liyi,rl... �t�n; n "ihdM ++ ,:, .;.:' �, :. =�_s ['�' S �' i• �. ^.: ;.'S':: .tiG. pVx• �.. t ; �'�, ^.�:w. fy= " •'a =tea? aa.r ..xet :;:z��,,, , .q {m: 15 9/12 0 � ;' 9/19 1 y ^ � ;'= <:= : >: -: •:y, r''' :iMIP 2 U ll 3 10/3 1 2 •�' '. `TS'° ' >S€ Sy-Jq, vGr` Xa '.. -,.�: ,' :} r * R -r �.''`l +' _ >_ 4 0 EA 10/17 1 0 10 0 10 10/24 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ® Leak Reported 3 0 1 2 1 4 1 0 1 1 3 1 1 0 • SSD called 37 66 62 3 2 0 0 0 5 19 8 0 SSD talked to 15 28 29 3 3 0 0 0 4 12 8 D Drop -in attendees 20 0 4 5 10 1 0 1 • SSD sent report 11 15 20 25 Week Leak Reported SSD called volunteers SSD talked to volunteers 9/5 3 37 15 9/12 0 66 28 9/19 1 62 29 9/26 2 3 3 10/3 1 2 3 10/10 4 0 0 10/17 1 0 10 0 10 10/24 0 Community Engagement Activities Week The following tables show weekly engagement activities with volunteers by the SSD helpdesk • Volunteer Outreach, Recruitment, Retention: IBM proposal to extend /expand pilot to 4,000 households under consideration. Activities completed: o Press release (City of Dubuque) o Recruitment Invite Letter (City of Dubuque /Dubuque 2.0) o Phone campaign to recruit 300 Pilot Households (City of Dubuque) o Follow -up on Water Survey post -pilot was done by contacting participants by e-mail or phone and requesting submittal of a post -pilot survey. The following are the number of contacts either via phone or e-mail done for the 3 weeks of the post -pilot survey period. ▪ Leak Reported • SSD called ❑ SSD talked to ❑ Drop -in attendees • SSD sent report 5 12 -17 -2010: 170 participants 1 -5 -11: 157 participants 1- 12 -11: 126 participants. • Community Engagement and Education: Water pilot households being recruited to participate in Smarter Natural Gas pilot. SSD Helpdesk sent 230 physical mailings to those without computers to track water usage; responded to over 80 helpdesk calls from smart water participants; conducted 6 training and orientation sessions for smart water portal participants throughout the pilot. Smarter Electricity • Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): Technology installed and tested. • Meter Installation Update: 900+ homes now equipped and data flowing • Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: "beta" system expected for April 15 (will be used for training and testing with 25 households) • Volunteer Outreach, Recruitment, Retention: Electric pilot households being recruited to participate in Smarter Natural Gas pilot. Active effort underway to collect email addresses for as many households as possible, and to design outreach campaign that Could be successful wit homes lacking internet access. Activities completed: o Training session @ Council Chambers (Dubuque 2.0 /City of Dubuque) o Drop -ins (4 locations) for water pilot members (Dubuque 2.0 /City of Dubuque) o Water Pilot Member Community Cafe (2) @ Roshek and Julien (Dubuque 2.0 /City of Dubuque) o Facilitated a game with weekly prizes and mid - point/final prize package (Dubuque 2.0) o Utilized email and web to communicate 2 times weekly to water Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0) o Provided hard copy of dashboard to non - internet Pilot Members (City of Dubuque) • Community Engagement and Education: Dubuque 2.0 and City are developing informational release on historical /aggregate electricity usage in average Dubuque households, including beginning data for "calls to action" such as noting that average household's "phantom power" percentage is © 26% [reducing that by 50% would save the average Dubuque household $9.61 a month.] Smarter Natural Gas • Meter Installation Update: City agreements completed and signed. Black Hills collector technology finally installed and operating. MIUs for the pilot households ready to be installed and activated once Black Hills has final list of 250 volunteer households. • Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Black Hills has historical data ready to be loaded into system as soon as final 250 volunteer households selected. Work on dashboard planned for late summer /fall, but no "live" date yet. Activities completed: o Invite letter to 500 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0) o Press release (City of Dubuque) o Phone campaign to 900 invites to recruit 250 Pilot Households (Dubuque 2.0) o Invite Postcard to 250 current Water /Electric Pilot Members (Dubuque 2.0) o Invite letter to 400 additional eligible residents (Dubuque 2.0) 6 • Volunteer Outreach, Recruitment, Retention: Recruitment of volunteer households stands at 219. Final push on effort to reach 250 underway by Dubuque 2.0. (Continue to see low "disqualification rate" from Black Hills, so over - recruiting 10% seems sufficient.) o In partnership with recruiting efforts led by Dubuque 2.0 SSD helpdesk has processed 224 volunteers. SSD helpdesk scans each agreement and forwards unique id and volunteer information to BHE. Summary of recruitment efforts are: • # of mailings sent out by Dubuque2.0: 1300 • # of follow -up calls made by Americorps /Greencorps volunteers: 397 • # of agreements sent out by City as a result of callings: 17 • # of calls made to participants w/ questions from City of Dubuque: 5 • Community Engagement and Education: Community outreach to civic, church and school groups in these neighborhoods under consideration. Smarter Travel • Update on Equipment & Technology (devices & data receivers): Technology subgroup reviewing alternatives of smartcard, personal GPS or activated Smartphone systems for base collection system. • Update on Pilot Households /Dashboard: Under development. (Given nature of this data, may require different approach to "dashboard" than originally contemplated). Also, there is presently no budget within Transit to do any re- design based on data, which should probably be a priority to address. • Volunteer Outreach: Will focus on initial outreach to 150 existing transit users or employees of transit supporting employers (Transit, ECIA and Dubuque 2.0 will coordinate). May also develop a small technology "test" group using City and ECIA employees first. • Community Engagement & Education: Developing incentive for participation in pilot that would include a "free pass" to use the bus during the period of the pilot. • State of Good Repair Grant: • Climate Showcase Grant : • First of A Kind (FOAK) City in Motion IBM is working through internal design and approvals. We will begin recruitment and planning process of Climate showcase and contemplate FOAK "catching up" when IBM is ready. Additional Updates: Examining opportunity to link the SSD effort to the Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative being developed. If possible, this would allow us to begin to activate an additional "silo of activity" within the integrated system (Health/Wellness) Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: Community Climate Action Plan: The Plan: The GHG Reduction Plan was written to provide a realistic path to achieving 50% GHG reduction by 2030 in Dubuque. The recommendations discussed in the plan are tailored to Dubuque's specific needs and capabilities. The costs, benefits, and GHG reductions are then calculated for each action, which allows us to prioritize recommendations based on GHG reductions achieved, effort required, and the side benefits each action brings to Dubuque (notably, those "side benefits" often far outweigh the GHG impact). Every recommendation in this plan is designed to benefit Dubuque's health, transportation, and economic prosperity, reaching well beyond GHG reduction. The Initiative: In March of 2010, the Dubuque Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Task Force was assembled by Green Dubuque in response to the completion of the 2003 and 2007 community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. The GHG Reduction Task Force is a partnership of local environmental nonprofits, faith based organizations, private sector green business, and individual activists with the designated purpose of recommending a GHG reduction target and feasible implementation strategy to the Dubuque City Council. Members of the Task Force include: • Chad Oberdoester - Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission • Pat Hayes, President - Dubuque County Conservation Society • Charles Winterwood M.D. - Chairman, White Pine Group, Sierra Club • Jason Schatz - President, Green Dubuque Inc. • Theothoros Giannakouros - Vice President, Green Dubuque Inc. • Will Hoyer - Green Dubuque Inc. • Mark Henning - 7th Power Sustainable LLC. • Sr. Joy Peterson - Sisters of the PBVM • Paul Schultz - Sustainable Dubuque The work of the Task Force will be followed up by the GHG Reduction Plan, community engagement initiative, facilitated by Green Dubuque. The GHG Reduction Plan initiative, which will launch in late March will include an informational website (dubuqueghgplan.org) where citizens and business owners can download the plan and demonstrate their support, a series of interactive speaker events, television advertisements and other media releases, a $1,000 scholarship from the Virgil J. and Norma M. Denlinger Family Foundation for college student participation, a public input meeting, and an envision style community workshop. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate and build community support for the recommended GHG reduction target of 50% by 2030. REGIONAL ECONOMY Government: Petal Project: The Petal Project is a green business certification that provides a framework for businesses and organizations dedicated to reducing their natural resource use to benefit the environment and their bottom line. The Petal Project provides businesses a clear sustainability framework and technical assistance from ECIA staff while creating a universally understood definition of a green business for consumers wishing to shop based on their values. This project was initially funded by an Iowa Department of Economic Development regional marketing grant. Since the project's inception in Fall of 2009, 10 businesses have begun to work through the criteria after developing internal "green teams ". Many of the businesses taking part have already begun to see utility savings with these achievements being featured by local news sources. The Petal Project has been awarded a National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2010 Innovation Award. 8 Partners: ECIA, Prosperity Eastern Iowa, Iowa Waste Exchange, DNR Pollution Prevention Services Buyer Supplier Network: Buyer - Supplier is a web based program for businesses that connects both buyers and sellers in Eastern Iowa to promote and facilitate regional purchasing. Over $6.5 billion are being spent on goods and services from vendors located outside of eastern Iowa that could be spent in the region. The goal of Buyer Supplier is to encourage businesses to purchase from regional providers, shifting dollars back into the regional economy. Businesses of all types and sizes are encouraged to take part in the program; from small organic produce farmers, to large corporations. There are currently over 1100 businesses with profiles on the system. Partners: ECIA, Prosperity Eastern Iowa, Northeast Iowa Business Network, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission Waste Diversion Options Study: The Resource Management program facilitated the 2009 Waste Diversion Options Study for DMASWA. The scope of work for this study was to identify options and impacts if the tonnage disposed in the DMASWA landfill were to be reduced by 50% from current tonnage within 5 to 10 years. This study identified economic opportunities in a developing local materials economy from the estimated market value of the $4M in landfilled materials. This also translated to creating a significant number of long -term green jobs. Public Information Office: Use local vendors for printing of publications. GIS: GIS assists in development of local businesses by providing topographical information for development projects. Library: Hosting "Value of Money" public event February 2011. City Local Purchasing Policy: The City implements a Local Purchasing Policy (AP 3.10) that allows for a 5 -10% preference for businesses located within City limits, excluding purchases made through the formal bidding process. Studies show that a greater percentage of each dollar spent at a local business stays in the local economy. Purchasing locally supports local jobs, in addition to cutting down on transportation costs and emissions to ship goods from outside the community. City staff are currently researching a Sustainable Purchasing Policy that would expand the parameters of the purchasing policy to include considerations such as recyclable content, lifetime of product, and chemical makeup of all products purchased by the City. Business: Dubuque Works (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): In November of 2008, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation was presented with the task of analyzing and revitalizing Dubuque's current Workforce Development strategy. After several meetings with key workforce development leaders within the community, the concept of "Dubuque Works" emerged. The group took a close look at existing workforce programs and identified strengths, weaknesses, duplication of services and opportunities for collaboration. The seven community partners under the Dubuque Works umbrella have established individual goals and objectives that need to be met in order to ensure the comprehensive success of Dubuque Works as a whole. Dubuque Works partners include Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, The Telegraph Herald, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, 9 Northeast Iowa Community College, Iowa Works, Dubuque Area Labor Management Council and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Dubuque Works encompasses a broad scope of workforce development issues including battling the local college brain drain, cleaning up the image of the skilled trade positions within local middle schools and high schools, developing the existing talent within local businesses, helping unemployed and underemployed individuals build bridges to employment, connecting job seekers to job opportunity through the web, and welcoming newcomers in to the community. "Dubuque Live" was scheduled for Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the University of Dubuque. This event was open to all area college students as a tool to connect to the business community and become more educated on the skills needed to secure a job after graduation. AccessDubuqueJobs.com investors continue to increase, with a current investor base of 102. In the past three months, 35 existing investors have renewed their contract in the Workforce Initiative for 2011. Fifty -three (53) businesses in our region (26 from Dubuque County) have signed a letter of commitment supporting Iowa's National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and standing up for a skilled workforce. Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium: Formed in late 2009, the Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium is an informal, beta organization comprised of manufacturing, technology, service, wholesale, and other industry sectors. Although the consortium is still a work in progress, members of the group have already identified new /actual sales leads and introductions to key industry players. The consortium includes Dubuque area companies that represent 1,126 employees and are currently engaged in both the sales and production of "green" related services /products: 1,126 - Employment total of the companies serving on the consortium; 42 - Percentage of companies that operate in tech services /wholesale /consulting; 33 - Percentage of companies that operate in traditional manufacturing; 25 - Percentage of companies that produce a tangible, technical /IT related product; 154 - Age of oldest company in the group; 1 - Age of youngest company in the group; 27 - Percentage of companies with corporate HQ outside of Dubuque; 73 - Percentage of companies with corporate HQ in Dubuque; 8 - Percentage of total jobs from consortium members (create /retained) due to green movement. The Dubuque Sustainability Innovation Consortium is staff - supported, in part, by Greater Dubuque Development in partnership with the City of Dubuque. Overseeing the strategic efforts is David Lyons. David is also spearheading local efforts related to the Dubuque /IBM Smart City initiative. In 2010, the group met on a quarterly basis to discuss ideas and tangible market opportunities. During some of these meetings, high - profile visitors and industry experts were in attendance to discuss market opportunities. Also in 2010, the simplicity of 10 Dubuque's idea for such a consortium was featured during a formal presentation in Washington D.C. (September) and also received a top award from the Midwest Area Economic Development Council in Chicago (December). 2011: Feeling the need to facilitate cost - saving /sustainable goals for area businesses, Greater Dubuque Development hosted a consortium event in February. The event focused on an easy, low -cost, and immediate ways to save money through lighting. With some 50 people in attendance, Crescent Electric provided case studies of Dubuque area businesses that have recently changed lighting and saved significant amounts of money. Going forward, Greater Dubuque will host another reception /dinner to provide the same information to yet another group of bankers, accountants, and electrical contractors. The idea is for these various professionals to share the information with their customers, especially small /medium sized businesses in Dubuque. Non - Profit: Project HOPE (High Priority): Project HOPE (Helping Our People Excel) is an employment initiative of the City of Dubuque and is designed to serve as a catalyst within the community helping service providers, education /training providers, employers and job seekers build bridges to establish rewarding, long -term employment opportunities. Project HOPE will work to improve inter - agency collaboration systems and reduce policy /program barriers to service- or simply, make the system easier to access and navigate. Program /activity goals are: Improve information availability, sharing and use among providers - coordinate system improvements, sharing mechanisms and a collaborative approach to better understand who and what the needs are in this community. Current activities include coordination of monthly meetings of steering committee to ensure collaboration. Connect unemployed to assessments and education /skills training - ensure an easy to follow process to get from unemployed to education /skills training as needed by the individual. Current activities are focused on developing a universal application, collateral and service model for key providers to improve access to services. Create a pipeline to employment —match available jobs to education and skill level of the individual to improve success rate of placement into workforce. Current activities include development of an employment support specialist position in partnership with IowaWORKS, Housing and other key providers. Support working families needs — improve child care opportunities within the community to ensure this is not a road block to employment. Current activities include a childcare service mapping project to improve understanding of resources available, needs in the community and improve access to working parents as well as businesses. Help families build financial assets — connect families to EITC, BankOn, and other financial support/literacy programs. Current activities include direct support of EITC efforts in the community and facilitating the implementation of BankON. A program involving all community financial institutions to reduce use of pay -day lenders and increase use of traditional banking methods. 11 Currently the Project HOPE Steering Committee is focused on three priorities: 1. Development of an Employment Support Specialist position to ensure more Getting Ahead graduates enter the workforce, utilizing a model developed by CincinatiWORKS. 2. Implementing a uniform application and collateral package for key service providers, in collaboration with those providers. 3. BankON- an initiative that includes all local financial institutions which develops products, marketing, and education to move unbanked or underbanked individuals and families into traditional banking relationships. Past History: Project HOPE (Helping Our People Excel) is an employment initiative of the City of Dubuque and is designed to serve as a catalyst within the community helping service providers, education /training providers, employers and job seekers build bridges to establish rewarding, long -term employment opportunities. Project HOPE encourages and facilitates collaboration among existing community resources and supports organizations that are expanding resources that share the mission of Project HOPE. Mission: Project HOPE encourages and facilitates collaboration, communication, and advocacy among referral resources, education /training providers, employers, and people in our community to dissolve existing disparity and ensure equity in employment and economic opportunities. Community Partners: Project HOPE has partnered with several organizations and agencies throughout the city in order to gain a better understanding and of the needs in the community and to better serve those who are unemployed and underemployed. The City contracts with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to carry out this initiative. Schools: NICC Green Jobs Program: The Northeast Iowa Community College Green Jobs program is funded through an ARRA grant administered in partnership by ECIA and NICC. The program is providing unemployed and incumbent workers with skills training in energy auditing, deconstruction, wind turbine maintenance, and green residential and commercial construction. As of quarterly reports filed on 9/30/10, the completion rate for these classes was 98% - those who successfully started and finished the training in its entirety. The new employment rate was 34% - those who were unemployed prior to the start of the training and were hired as a result of the training received and are now employed. The maintained employment rate is 36% - those who were employed part time prior to the training, were incumbent or unemployed workers and maintained employment following the training. Finally, the total employment rate including maintained and new employment is 70% and the unemployment rate is 30 %. Additional partners involved in the program continue to work together to ensure that graduates are provided the support system they need in order to maintain or secure employment. NICC staff were key partners in identifying a local barrier to employment for the students who completed the solar thermal training, and have worked with City staff to develop the Solar Thermal Ordinance recently passed. People & Neighborhoods: SMART ENERGY USE Government: EECBG: The City of Dubuque was the recipient of $574,700 in ARRA funding through the 12 Energy Efficiency Conservation & Block Grant program. The following funds have been spent or obligated to date: $75,000.00 Sustainability Coordinator Salary. Grant administration and community engagement. First of a Kind (FOAK) agreement with IBM Watson Research Center to fund part of the Smarter Travel pilot in the Smarter Sustainable Dubuque project. Residential certified energy audits and energy efficient retrofits. To date, this program has funded 30 certified energy audits and assisted 73 Dubuque residents in installing high- efficiency furnaces, insulation, new windows, and completing basic retrofits including caulking around windows, weatherstripping, etc. An additional $20,304.20 remains in this category, with most of those funds available for energy audits. Total funds spent or made available to the public (39.2% of total grant amount). $100,000.00 $29,695.80 $225, 000.00 Additional funds remain in the categories of community education, commercial building retrofits, and municipal retrofits. It is anticipated that the largest remaining category, $200,000 for commercial retrofits, will be obligated soon through a partnership with the private sector to encourage lighting and other energy- efficient, cost - saving retrofits. Power Down Settings for City Computers: In 2009, Information Services implemented software that centrally manages the power setting on your computer, implementing power conservation settings after no activity for defined periods of time. Before implementing these settings each computer was using approximately 460kWh resulting in the release of about 626Ibs of CO2. After applying the settings we reduced each computer's power usage to 373kWh or reducing CO2 to 508 Ibs - therefore about an 18% reduction in greenhouse gases. In March 2011, Information Services will be applying a new setting to the existing power settings that will automatically shut down computers that are still powered up after 10:OOpm every night, excluding computers that need remote access capabilities overnight. This setting will result in significant additional energy savings to the City. In addition, Information Services continues to work to educate staff on the importance of "phantom" energy use and other opportunities to save energy and money through the use of technology. Parking Ramp Lighting Project: The 5th Street and Locust Street Parking Ramps have recently been updated with new fluorescent lighting. The system has been provided by a firm from Holland, MI, TwistHDM. The system is fully programmable, providing the maximum in daylight harvesting, occupancy sensing and provides a safety factor in that e- mails are sent to maintenance staff any time a light is burned out or not functioning for any reason. Each fixture has its own IP address allowing for state of the industry programming to reduce energy usage. We are in the first full months of this system and are currently projecting a 60 -65% decrease in lighting cost in each of these ramps. We are currently planning on retro fitting the Iowa Street to this system in the very near future and this system is also being installed on the new parking ramp at 10th and Central. Public Works Department: Kill -A -Watt Meters: The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), a 28E 13 partnership of the County and City of Dubuque. In calendar 2010, the DMASWA initiated its KiII -A -Watt Program. The DMASWA purchased wattage meters, which were provided to five Dubuque County Library branches in Asbury, Epworth, Farley, Holy Cross, and Dyersville. Concurrently, the City of Dubuque initiated a similar program at its Carnegie - Stout Library. The meters are loaned free of charge to residents to use to measure electricity usage by individual appliances in their homes. The meters are a valuable tool allowing residents to make informed choices regarding reducing their energy usage and the carbon footprint associated with their homes and lifestyles. Hybrid- Powered Vehicle: A second DMASWA Smart Energy Use initiative was its purchase of a hybrid - powered vehicle in the Summer of 2005. This purchase was made not only to reduce the amount of fuel used by Agency - employed staff and reduce the DMASWA's vehicle - related carbon footprint, but also as an education tool by the Agency's Education and Communication Coordinator. Now five and a half years old and with over 72,000 miles on its odometer, the vehicle has performed faultlessly and has averaged 28 miles per gallon in the city. The DMASWA intends to retain it until calendar 2015, when it should have well over 125,000 miles on its odometer. Biomass Energy Development: The Resource Management program has been an internal partner in researching sustainable new energy sources from discarded materials processed or which could be processed at the WWTP and the DMASWA landfill. The methane produced at both facilities could be developed as a renewable energy source and net revenue producer with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) applications. A Bio- Energy consultant has been recommended to help make the best economic and sustainable use of these energy resources. Library Kill -A -Watt Meter Checkout Program: In partnership with ISU Extension and the City's Office of Sustainability, Kill -A -Watt Meters are available for resident check out. These meters allow residents to measure the energy demand of appliances in their homes, and is particularly helpful in identifying "phantom energy loads" that occur when appliances and chargers are plugged in but not in use. 27 checkouts since the program began in June 2010. Fire Department: • CIP upgrades for doors and windows for fire stations for energy efficiency • Appliance replacement to be energy star compliant units • Light bulb and fixture replacement in fire stations as part of capital improvements are energy efficient type • Staff researched and budgeted green roof for Fire Headquarters. Project was deleted due to budget shortfall and construction of new parking structure. • Energy study for Fire Headquarters researched by staff and budgeted Leisure Services Department: • Bunker Hill building window replacements 2006 • Park Maint Hdqtrs window replacement 2009 • Bunker Hill lobby remodeling insulation install 2006 • Slattery Center roof replacement 2009 • Veterans Memorial Park restroom renovation plumbing & light fixtures 2008 • Bunker Hill Golf Course transition to 5% biodiesel fuel for equipment 2009 • Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11 14 • Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED fixtures 2010 Business: Non - Profit: Four Mounds Energy Center: Education: The Energy Center has been working hard to educate Dubuque about energy efficiency. Through articles in 365Ink, Four Mounds Newsletter, and events such as John Deere Health and Wellness Expo have all been areas of education. The main educational program that has happened was the Residential Energy Efficiency Workshop. This workshop focused on home auditing and where to start energy efficient upgrades to a residence. Another main source of education has been through the website energydbq.org. It has served as a resource for news, education, and certified professionals. Rebate Facilitation: The Energy Center has been the clearing house for the City of Dubuque's Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. Started in October, the EECBG funds have been disbursed in two forms, home auditing and residential retrofitting. Each fund was allocated $25,000 for disbursement. To date we have dispersed $22,000 for retrofits, and $7,000 for home audit. This program will continue until all funds have been dispersed. Assistance to Green Career Training Initiative: The Energy Center has been a key assistance to the training initiative. By posting the information about upcoming classes and starting the online application for the programs the center was able to get the word out about the programs. After successful completion of a program, graduates were listed on energydbq.org for free under the certified professional's page. This gives these new graduates opportunities to expand and grow their business. To date we have four graduates listed on our site as well as other certified professionals in the area. Assistance to the HEART Program: The Energy Center has supported the HEART program in many ways. In August the center worked with Four Mounds to complete a request for support from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Conducting a walk- through of houses both on Locust and Rhomberg analysis were compiled and given to Four Mounds for reference. Floor plans and drawings were completed for 419 Rhomberg which would eventually become property of Four Mounds for the HEART Program. Finally the Energy Center has written and will be administering a Green Construction Training for the HEART student and staff. Leadership of Green Iowa Americorps: The Energy Center has been an important player in the administration of Green Iowa AmeriCorps in Dubuque. From the initial conversations of bringing the program, the Energy Center has been in the discussion and ultimately became the host site for the program. Facilitation of donation of weatherization materials and CFLs for the program as well as getting the word out about the program has all been conducted by the Energy Center. On February 1 the members arrived and have been working hard to bring education and weatherizations to Dubuque. Partners: Four Mounds (Program Oversight), HEART (Program Support), City of Dubuque (Program Support), NICC (Grant Advisory, Training Support), ECIA (Grant Recipient, Support), Operation New View Community Action Agency (Weatherization materials 15 donation facilitation), Black Hills (Education support, weatherization materials donation facilitation), Alliant (Education support), Theisen's (Weatherization materials donation), Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (CFL donation), Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation (Program support), Dubuque 2.0 (Marketing support). Schools: Dubuque Community School Districts: 2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the energy management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10 with over $212,603 in avoided costs and $151,576 in direct energy costs savings. Overall energy prices increased by over 3% from the baseline year. These results directly impact the District's 12,330+ PreK -12 students, administrators, teachers, and staff in the 1,694,250 square feet of DCSD schools and support facilities. 2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the energy management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10, reducing energy use within the District by 13.4 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), a reduction of 11% from the baseline year; this reduction is about equal to all the energy used throughout the year by Washington Middle School, Irving Elementary School, and Sageville Elementary School combined. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average school building in the U.S. used 83,100 BTU per square foot last year. During the 2009/10 year the Dubuque Community School District's building average was 66,833 BTU per square foot, 19.6 percent better than the national average. In energy intensity, (BTUs per SF) DCSD Elementary Schools performed 30.3% better than the average Iowa Elementary School *, DCSD Middle Schools outperformed the average Iowa Middle School* by 9.5 %, and DCSD High Schools were 11.8% better performing than the average Iowa High School. 2009/10 school DCSD is financially and environmentally healthier as a result of the energy management (efficiency and conservation) measures implemented during 2009/10 with 3,946,135 lbs. (1,790 metric tonnes) of greenhouse gas / CO2 emissions avoided; the equivalent of removing 343 passenger vehicles from our streets and roads for one year. 2010/11 6 -month progress - During the 6 month period of July through December for the 2010/11 school year, the District surpassed its previous progress by reducing its energy consumption over 5.53 billion BTUs (British Thermal Units), a reduction of 15.52% for the same period from established baseline. Compared to the 2009/10 time period, over 1.05 billion BTUs (7.51 %) in further reductions were realized. From July through December 2010, the District surpassed its previous progress with over $103,487 in avoided costs compared to the same period of the baseline year. Compared to the same 2009/10 time period, over $26,358 in additional avoided costs were realized, despite overall energy prices increasing by 12.79% for this comparative time period. The District's 2010/2011 certified enrollment for PreK -12 is 10,516 students. People & Neighborhoods: SMART RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 16 Government: The Green Vision Building Materials Management and Waste Minimization Program is a high priority of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has designated C &D waste as a targeted material for diverting from Iowa landfills. Building and demolition professionals can play an important role in assisting the Agency and IDNR in meeting their goals of diverting reusable and recyclable materials from land filling. Rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling - the "Four R's" - focus on resource efficiency. Typically, these practices can save money and control costs by decreasing the amount of new materials needed for building; and, reducing waste disposal costs. Equally important, you'll be helping reduce the amount of materials being buried at the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) Landfill. Your efforts should also prove to be of value to the owner of your project. For C &D materials management to be most effective, one must be committed to good planning, coordination of effort, and always looking for ways to rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle. Fire Department: • Smaller vehicles purchased for Fire Marshals and EMS Supervisor that use flex fuel, E -85 • All diesel vehicles use biodiesel blend fuel • Improvement package for video conferencing for training of firefighters. Allows crews to remain in stations instead of traveling to central location conserves fuel reduces emissions. • All fire stations recycle household items • Intersection preemption project reduces fuel consumption and reduces emissions by allowing emergency vehicles to proceed through without stopping and starting and holding green light for snow removal equipment. • Windows budgeted in FY12 for Fire Station 3, Tuck pointing budgeted in FY12 for Fire Station 6, Energy study for Fire Headquarters researched by staff and budgeted. Leisure Services Department: • Bunker Hill Golf Course irrigation system upgrade electrical & water 2010 -11 • Recycling paper products at Comiskey building 2009 • Prescott Neighborhood Resource Center paper recycling 2006 • McAleece concession operations paper recycling 2006 • Flora & Sutton pools paper recycling 2006 • Flora Park Water System Refurbishment 2010 Public Information Office /GIS: • City News publications all printed on 30% recycled paper. • Most, if not all, publications sent to print are printed on 30% recycled paper. • Assisted in making City Expo and Annual Boards and Commissions Picnic near zero -waste events since 2009. • Encourage all departments to purchase sustainable giveaways for City Expo. • Use Notify Me to send press releases (instead of faxing or mailing) • All GIS maps are converted to jpg or pdf, and all data acquisition and transfers are completed via the Sharefile FTP site. Public Works Department: 17 Tire Recycling Program: Also initiated by the DMASWA in the 1990's as a result of regulations prohibiting the burial of whole tires in landfills, the DMASWA took the extra step of banning the burial of tires in any shape or form in its landfill. Current federal and State regulations still allow the burial of shredded, chopped or halved tires. Tires brought to the DMASWA Landfill are set aside for subsequent collection and processing by a tire recycling firm. The cost of the tire recycling service is passed along to the DMASWA's customers. The tires are currently being processed into fuel pellets, playground equipment fall protection pads, pads protecting concrete floors from heavy equipment tracks, and sundry items such as park benches and parking lot tire stops. Community impacts of the DMASWA's Tire Recycling Program have included saved landfill space /life and reuse of a valuable fossil fuel- derived product. Appliance and Metals Recycling Program. Similar to the DMASWA's Tire Recycling Program, and also initiated in the 1990's, its Appliance and Metals Recycling Program also exceeds federal and State standards. While the USEPA and Iowa regulations allow the landfill burial of metal household appliances that do not contain Freon or mercury, the DMASWA bans the landfilling of any appliances at its facility. They are accepted, however, for a fee to cover the cost of subsequent recycling by a local firm. Also, the DMASWA provides a free drop -off container just inside its gate where clean metal items may be dropped off without charge for subsequent recycling. Finally, DMASWA - employed staff recover any metal items encountered in the landfill cells and take them to the metals drop - off container. The main community impact derived from this program is saved landfill space /life. A secondary community impact would be the recovery and reuse of recyclable metal. Recycling Dropoff Stations Program. Beginning with a sole recyclables dropoff facility on Dubuque's west side in the 1990's, the program has expanded to six (6) at the current time. In addition to the noted original facility on Radford Road, there now are facilities in Cascade, unincorporated Key West, Farley, Epworth, and at the DMASWA Landfill. The Agency plans to add additional facilities in the northern and northwestern areas of Dubuque county in the near future. At these facilities, residents are allowed to drop off unlimited quantities of clean metal, aluminum beverage containers, tin cans, paper, cardboard, and #1 - #5 and #7 plastics. Glass containers are allowed only at the Radford Road drop -off facility. The materials are collected by Agency workers and transported to the Dittmer Recycling facility in Dubuque for processing and subsequent shipment to regional recycling mills. The most relevant measurable outcomes for this program would be pounds of materials received and recycled annually through the noted dropoff facilities. Coal Combustion Fly Ash: A fifth DMASWA program that can be associated with the City of Dubuque's Smart Resource Management sustainability principle is its use of coal combustion fly ash as a soil supplement. Federal regulations heavily restrict the reuse and disposal of coal combustion fly ash due to the likelihood of the presence of heavy metals. In the 1990's, the DMASWA applied for and received permission from the State to mix fly ash it receives from the local Alliant power plant, John Deere, and the City of Dubuque Water Pollution Control plant with soil it uses to cover waste materials in its landfill cells. In this way, the DMASWA spends less labor, fuel, and equipment time excavating the daily landfill cell cover soil mandated by federal regulations. Community impacts includes monetary savings to the three noted entities, monetary savings to the DMASWA in the form of less fuel, labor and equipment time used, and the smaller carbon footprint associated with the soil excavation activity. Also, since the fly ash would otherwise have to 18 be buried in the landfill cells due to its metals content, landfill airspace /life has been saved by this practice. Pay As You Throw: PAYT is a sustainable model for refuse collection and the Large Item program. It places an added cost to extra trash generation which encourages source reduction, reuse through donations, recycling and composting. Enforcement is constant to reduced collection of excess trash which should be paid for by the generator. The average customer only sends 20 pounds per week to the landfill which is near the lowest of the 10 largest cities in Iowa. Appropriately sized city -owned tipper carts have been supplied to many alley customers to improve sanitation and aesthetics in areas of high rental density. Curbside Food Scrap Collection: The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), a 28E partnership of the County and City of Dubuque. In 1990, the DMASWA constructed its first yard waste composting facility at its Landfill site on Dubuque's west side along U.S. Highway 20. The facility and yard waste composting program were mandated by Iowa legislation banning yard waste from being landfilled with the beginning of FY91. The yard waste composting facility was later displaced by landfill cells #5 and #6 and was replaced by the current facility in 1998. The second composting facility originally consisted of a large asphalt -paved area where yard waste was stored and then shredded. The yard waste was then windrowed in an adjoining area lined with shale. The city initiated a pilot curbside co- collection of food scraps in April 2006. It has reached its maximum diversion under the 2 ton per week cap under IDNR Regulations. This project is in partnership with DMASWA and involves 250 subscribers, who for a very small fee, who diverted approximately 80 tons of food scraps last year from refuse and processed them into 40 tons of compost. This also reduced the potential fugitive GHG from landfilling by approximately 500,000 pounds per year. In 2009 and again in 2010, the DMASWA applied to the State for permission to expand its food scrap composting program. The State has denied the requests, insisting that further infrastructure improvements be made. Those improvements have been estimated to cost more than $250,000. As a result of those prohibitive additional costs, and anticipating a softening of the State's position, the DMASWA has decided to forego expansion of its food scrap composting program until the State of Iowa adopts guidelines similar to those allowed by the US EPA and already implemented in surrounding states. Community impacts of the DMASWA's Composting Program to date include saving an estimated half year of landfill life /capacity over the last twenty years, plus the generation and reuse of a valued byproduct — high quality compost. Curbside Recycling: The Recycling Collection Activity has maintained over the last 5 years the lowest average curbside collection fees in the state while having some of the highest diverted tonnage to recycling at 4,500 tons per year (approximately 40 %). Recycling tonnage has been declining in Dubuque and nationally due partially to the shift from print media and advertizing (newspaper/ magazine pages and junk mail) to electronic media. The participation rate of customers setting out recycling at least once a month is estimated to be over 90 %. The partnership with DMASWA in a processing contract with Dittmer Recycling was brought shared revenue to the city even in the economic recession. The Resource Management Coordinator facilitated the Sustainable 2010 Glass Management Options Study and researched local costs and impacts. This research 19 indicated that curbside collection of glass was no longer a sustainable activity and should be terminated cutting significant costs and generating increased revenue. Diversion Facility Development: The Resource Management program has provided staff support to DMASWA in conducting a 2010 Visual Assessment Report of all landfill vehicle unloads (1100) for a full week. This assessment has provided the needed data to identify the most easily diverted materials for improved community and commercial diversion to recycling and reuse. As a follow up to this report, a draft proposal for a public - private partnership to create a publically- own /privately leased Diversion Facility on the DMASWA Campus been submitted for consideration as part of the FY12 DMASWA Capital Improvement Program. Dubuque Area Task Force On Illegal Dumping & Illegal Littering: The Resource Management program has provided staff support to the Dubuque Area Task Force On Illegal Dumping, Illegal Littering (DATFOIDIL) which was initiated in 2010 by DMASWA. Our office has hosted an Illegal Dumping Hotline (589- 4345). Since 2000 and have averaged investigating approximately 10 illegal dumping reports per month, cleaning up as appropriate and sending warning letters to Identifiable households when found. . Dubuque Area Event Recycling and Zero Waste Programs: The Resource Management program first initiated and since 2006 has provided staff and logistic support to Dubuque Area Event Recycling and Zero Waste Programs in partnership with DMASWA. Since 2006, 257 events have utilized the Clear Stream collapsible event recycling units with 4,363 units deployed. Recycling is required at stationary events requiring a city permit. Recyclable cups numbered 1 thru 5 have been required to increase recycling. Events now typically divert over 50% by volume to recycling and also significantly reduce litter. There have been a growing number of zero waste events where event food discards and compostable paper products get processed for beneficial use. Our program provides appropriate containers, signage and removes the captured materials to be composted. Library: Hosted six public events since 2006 focused on Smart Resource Management, reaching over 100 attendees. Hosted the Recycle Art Show from 2008 -2010 (2011 date TBD), with 150 attendees. Finance: 1. The Utility Billing area serves as a collection for CFL light bulbs for employees and citizens. This process began approximately one year ago. The City provides multiple collection sites. Public Works employees pick up the recycled CFL Tight bulbs. 2. Laserfiche was implemented for storing supporting documentation for accounts payable and accounts receivable activities such as purchase orders /direct pays, purchase order adjustments, journal entries and receipts. This procedure eliminates the need for departments to make a copy of documents for their files as documents are viewed through Laserfiche. 3. Accepting electronic payments for Utility Billing, parking tickets, (Leisure Services). Customer initiates EFT via website and City ACH initiated. Utility Billing saves paper by not including a return payment envelope for customers who have their payment automatically deducted from their bank account (currently 21.4 %). Citizens save postage and post office saves labor /energy. 4. Accounts payable direct deposit of employee expense reimbursement and vendor 20 payments. Full implementation will be available. Saves City cost of printing and mailing checks. Saves paper and energy. 5. Future initiative: Working toward electronic billing for utility bills. Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: Lenten Plastic Bag Fast: In September 2010 the City Council voted to look into possible policies to reduce single -use plastic bags in the city. Given the strong faith heritage of Dubuque, Lenten reflection and study materials on the interconnected issues of single -use plastic bags were prepared and made available to communities of faith to adapt for use in their congregations. A newly formed group, the Intercongregational Ecological Working Group (IEWG) comprised of representatives from women's religious congregations in the area, took on the coordination of this project in December 2010. The IEWG is distributing these study materials to a variety of church and faith groups to further raise awareness and foster conversation on these issues. The Lenten materials have been presented to the Dubuque Ministerial Association and DACU for their consideration. Several groups will be utilizing these materials during Lent (churches of various denominations, one high school, a religious education program, a university and several women's religious congregations). In an effort to further engage these participants as well as the broader community in the discussion, the IEWG is partnering with Wahlert's SAVE Club (Students Against Violating the Earth), several local environmental groups and Mindframe Theater to co- sponsor two showings of the documentary "BAG IT: Is Your Life too Plastic ?" free to the public (March 26 and April 2). This movie event is one of the activities for Dubuque 2.0's Community Sustainability Challenge Game. COMMUNITY DESIGN Government: Sustainable Design Assessment Team: In 2007, Dubuque was selected by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design to receive technical assistance under the SDAT program. The SDAT program is AIA's community assistance program that focuses on the principles of sustainability. The collaborative SDAT program brings together teams of volunteer professionals (architects, urban designers, planners, and others) to work with community decision - makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future, provide a roadmap for communities seeking to improve their sustainability, and achieve balance between cultural, environmental, and economic systems. The Dubuque SDAT conference in 2007 focused on five major land use and urban design issues: urban sprawl v. planned and managed growth, bluff development v. preservation, stormwater run -off v. management, traditional development v. sustainable design, and neighborhood disinvestment v. neighborhood revitalization. Community members worked 21 with national SDAT volunteer consultants to identify ways to achieve economic prosperity, ecological integrity, and social equity. In 2009, the Dubuque SDAT Report was incorporated into the Sustainable Dubuque Plan as well as the City's UDC. Unified Development Code: In 2009, the City of Dubuque's new Unified Development Code went into effect. The UDC updates and consolidates zoning, subdivision, site development, historic preservation, and sign regulations into a single city code. The UDC incorporates text, photographs, drawings, charts and diagrams for ease of use in an online illustrated version. The four -year process for developing the Dubuque UDC incorporated three citizen advisory committees and an interdisciplinary task force of City staff working with JEO Consulting. The last 12 months of the process were devoted to seeking and responding to input on the draft UDC from developers, engineers, architects, neighborhood and business associations, sign contractors, City Boards and Commissions, and the general public prior to City Council work sessions and public hearings. The UDC incorporates sustainable design while meeting smart growth objectives. Sustainable design is the expectation. While traditional development is still allowed, it is now the exception. The UDC received strong support from City officials and citizens alike. This acceptance of sustainable design has continued through implementation. Subdivision and site development regulations were extensively revised to promote sustainable design, such as conservation design, solar access, and low- impact development measures. Access for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit as well as design guidelines for historic districts, the downtown, and older neighborhoods also are now part of the UDC. The intent of the UDC is to guide the physical, economic and social development, redevelopment and conservation of the community. The UDC protects and enhances the historic, cultural and aesthetic resources that make Dubuque a unique, identifiable and vital community. Downtown Design Guidelines: In 2009, the City of Dubuque adopted the Downtown Design Guidelines Manual. The Downtown Design Guidelines address exterior architectural design as well as streetscape and landscape design. They provide guidance for property owners, builders, and design professionals planning exterior alterations, additions, or the rehabilitation of existing buildings as well as new structures and parking lots. The guidelines were developed in coordination with the City's Historic Preservation Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, design professionals, and preservation partners in the community. The Guidelines apply to private and public improvement projects in the Downtown area financed in whole or in part by public funds that involve: exterior alterations that require a building or sign permit, requests for demolition permits, and /or site improvements that require a site plan. They also apply regardless of funding in the Historic Millwork District. The Downtown Design Guidelines are part of the UDC. Old Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines: Adopted as part of the UDC, the Old Town Neighborhood Site Design Guidelines for development in Dubuque's older 22 neighborhoods provide form -based site design guidelines where strict application of "suburban- style" site design standards for new commercial, industrial and residential development are difficult to apply due to the dense development patterns of these older urban areas. They are intended to encourage new development that is compatible with historic districts, downtown, and older neighborhoods in conservation planning areas. Green Alley Pilot Project: This project involved the reconstruction of existing asphalt alleys from 11 Street to 13 Street between White Street and Jackson Street and the alley from 15 and 16 between Elm and Washington Streets. The project reconstructed the alleys with pervious pavement surfaces to assist in evaluating suitable pavement types for future alley reconstruction projects. The pavement surfaces allow rainfall from low - intensity storms to pass through the pavement structure. This, in turn, will recharge the water table and minimize storm water runoff. Completed in summer 2010 Washington Neighborhood Initiative (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): Comprehensive effort designed to address many housing and social challenges in this 55 square block neighborhood. An ambitious "visioning" project for the Washington Neighborhood was concluded in 2008 and the Washington Neighborhood Strategic Plan was presented to the City Council in April 2009. Homes have now been purchased and rehabbed by 37 first -time owner families throughout the neighborhood. Previous rental dwellings and vacant structures have been historically restored for owner occupancy. Since late 2005, the Housing Department has loaned $3.9 million and a total of $7 million has been reinvested in housing in the Washington Neighborhood. With receipt of a $240 000 I -JOBS grant from IFA, the Historic Washington Row Houses project commenced construction in November 2010. New individual sanitary sewer and water services have been installed, lead paint removed from the interior of the buildings, asbestos removed from the roofing structure and all new membrane roofs installed, and installation of all new wooden windows and doors completed. A June completion date is projected. All units will be sold as owner - occupied town homes to low- moderate income households. Several other houses acquired by the Housing Department, using our Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grant, continue under rehab. The HEART Program crews are performing the bulk of the rehab work. As the completed homes are re -sold, NSP funds are used to buy other foreclosed or vacated houses. An exterior inspection program providing 'advisory inspections' for all Washington Neighborhood homeowners commenced in November. About 90% of the 200 homes have been inspected. Housing staff are now prioritizing needed exterior repairs and working with church and volunteer groups to line up crews to perform this work this summer. We are coordinating these efforts with the WNDC and hope to organize 10 work crews for the April Community Days of Caring event. We are working with the Four Mounds Energy Center in preparation to utilize the AmeriCorps GreenCorps team to perform energy audits and weatherization work on selected homes in the neighborhood. Planning continues for a major rehab project in the 2200 -2400 block of Washington Street. Houses acquired for the Bee Branch Project and no longer needed for the right -of -way will 23 be rehabbed and re -sold to owner occupant families. Two city- acquired homes will be moved to this block. The HEART crews will be continuously utilized for rehab work, on as many as nine homes. Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation (WNDC): a new non - profit corporation, was formed to promote revitalization efforts in the Washington Neighborhood. The WNDC is staffed by a fulltime executive director, initially funded by the City of Dubuque. A board of directors has been recruited to represent the interests of stakeholders, including residents, landlords, businesses and lenders, and city government. The corporation promotes activities to improve the neighborhood in a variety of ways. Key objectives include increasing homeowner occupancies, refurbishing older buildings, improving the appearance of the area and greater resident involvement. Partnering with the following neighborhood initiatives: Harkin Wellness Grant, Community Garden, Energy Center staff, Small Business Works, Community Days of Caring( Central Ave focus), Iowa 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, Crime Study Report, Dubuque Board of Realtors, Gateway to Homes. o 4 referrals made for Energy Center weatherization assistance. o Startup of a business association. o Updated the WNDC directory — 171 businesses. o Inventorying empty retail space available. o Assisting with relocation of North End Businesses to the Washington Neighborhood. o Partnering with Housing and Community Development to create a neighbor to neighbor work program rehabilitating the exterior of residences Orange Park: Creation of a park in the Washington Neighborhood as a result of neighborhood input. Historic Millwork District (Top Priority): The Historic Millwork District is saturated with history. It imbues the area with authenticity and character while offering valuable lessons about the importance of sustainable urban design strategies. At the turn of the century, the District was the innovative and entrepreneurial center of the region and was the backbone of the regional economy. Dozens of companies, 2,500 employees, a district heating system, and intimate connections to Downtown and the Washington Neighborhood characterized the District. The Historic Millwork Master Plan resurrects the forgotten strategy that connects people, planet, and profit in a mixed -use neighborhood. It offers a vision for a community reconnected with surrounding neighborhoods, reenergized with housing, retail, offices, galleries, entertainment, and employment, and re- imagined as a laboratory for sustainable practices and technologies. The Historic Millwork District Complete Streets Project will involve the reconstruction and streetscaping of streets into complete streets. These streets include the following: Street 10 Street Washington Street Jackson Street Jackson Street Trail 1 0th Street 11 Street Limits Jackson to EIm Street 9 to 1 0th Street 7 to 11 Street 5 to 7 Street Main to Jackson Street Jackson to EIm Street Construction Type Reconstruction Reconstruction Reconstruction Hike /Bike Trail Streetscaping Water Reconstruction 24 Additionally, 3 alternates were selected and they include: Alternate Street Limits 1 Washington Street 10 to 1 1 th Street 2 9 Street Washington to White Street 3 9 Street Main to White Street Sealed bids were received on the project on January 25, 2011. Portzen Construction, Inc. of Dubuque, IA submitted the low bid in the amount of $5,575,005.92. This amount is 20.06% under the estimate of probable cost for the base bid + alternates 1, 2, and 3. A summary of the bid proposals received is as follows: CONTRACTOR Portzen Construction, Inc. Horsfield Construction, Inc. BID (Base + Alternates 1, 2, 3) $5,575,005.92 $5,814,598.29 Construction Type Reconstruction Streetscaping Streetscaping A bid was received from W.C. Stewart, Inc but was deemed non - responsive since the required Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) form and expected sub - contractor listing was not submitted with the bid. The list of bid results was submitted to the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) for their concurrence. FHWA concurs with the award of the construction contract to Portzen Construction, Inc. as the lowest responsive bidder. Construction is expected to start in early March 2011. City staff is continuing to work on development of plans and specifications for the Historic Millwork District. Originally the project was to include the complete reconstruction of Jackson Street from 7th to 11th Streets, Washington Street from 9th to 11th Streets and 10th Street from Jackson to Elm Streets. The USDOT announced Dubuque was awarded a $5.6 million grant to fund Complete Streets within the Millwork District. A site in the district is being reviewed as a potential for the location of a future intermodal facility. The Alamo Block purchase agreement was approved by the City Council on October 4, 2010. Deconstruction of the non - historic buildings has begun and is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2011. Staff has prepared a Development Agreement for the CARADCO project with Gronen Properties and a public hearing has been set for March 21, 2011 for its approval. The CARADCO building received two awards of $3 million and $5.9 million in CDBG disaster assistance funds to develop income - restricted (80% of Median Income) apartments. 25 The Council approved a $4.5 million loan agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority to provide low- interest financing for Millwork District projects. Smart Planning Grant: In late 2010, Dubuque County and the cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Cascade, Dyersville, Epworth, Farley, and Peosta came together to form the Dubuque Smart Planning Consortium. The consortium's goals are to develop a regional sustainability plan that includes the State of Iowa's Smart Planning principles, the City of Dubuque's sustainability principles, and watershed planning, and then incorporates the smart planning elements of the regional plan into local comprehensive plans. This consortium is a two -year process. Public Works Department: The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). Since 1995, the Agency has employed an Education and Communication Coordinator. This person is charged with educating the general public in Dubuque and Delaware counties regarding best solid waste management practices. The Coordinator develops public education programs, publicizes Agency services, manages its website, presents programs to school and community groups, hosts facility tours, provides education curriculum resources and assistance, coordinates the efforts and initiatives of the Dubuque chapter of Keep Iowa Beautiful - Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green, manages the Agency's Green Vision Education Program, and provides staff support to the Dubuque County Illegal Dumping Task Force. The Coordinator also prepares and updates the Agency's biannual Recycling and Reuse Guide, which is inserted in all Dubuque and Delaware county daily and weekly newspapers. The most measurable outcome for this program would be the number of citizens the Coordinator presented to and /or provided facility tours in any given year. Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: GREEN BUILDINGS Government: Building Services Department: Solar Thermal The Solar Thermal Licensing and Solar Thermal Permits and Inspections ordinances were created in 2011 after a local solar thermal contractor met with City staff to determine what licenses and permits they would need to install solar thermal systems within the corporate limits of Dubuque. The current regulations would require multiple licenses and permits. The adoption of the ordinances will allow for streamlined licensing and permitting processes and support the development of green jobs in Dubuque. City Building Efficiency Improvements 26 We have made improvements to efficiency levels to City Hall lighting and will continue to do so as ballasts wear out. The 18th St project will significantly upgrade the energy efficiency of that building with new HVAC, lighting (with the grant), etc. 2009 International Energy Conservation Code We have adopted the 2009 Intl Energy Conservation Code and will continue to adopt the most - recent version. Workforce Housing (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): City staff has been working diligently with local developers to find new revenue sources to fund the financial gaps in the rehabilitation of older buildings in the downtown /millwork districts. In 2009, the Iowa Finance Authority conducted a study and based on current market conditions and projected employment growth in Dubuque, their study indicated a significant demand exists for additional rental housing in the local area. Given the relatively low HUD Median Income and the estimated salary range of jobs, market rate rental housing appears to have the most demand. Income restricted rental units, such as those with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, would not alleviate future demands from household growth. While some workers would prefer homeownership, affordable single family detached homes are readily available in the market area with several new subdivisions under construction. The lack of significant vacancies coupled with the lack of modern multi - family rental communities indicates pent up demand for high quality market rate rental units. Based on the IFA demand estimates, the Dubuque market area is in need of 300 to 400 additional rental units over the next two to three years. The City Council approved a Loan Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for $4,500,000 with 3% interest. The funding is available for creation of workforce housing unit creation in the Historic Millwork District. Income guidelines exist for the units totaling 120% of Area Median Income. At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on the national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures. The City Council approved a Loan Agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for $4,500,000 with 3% interest. The funding is available for creation of workforce housing unit creation in the Historic Millwork District. Income guidelines exist for the units totaling 120% of Area Median Income. At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on the national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures. City staff has been working diligently with local developers to find new revenue sources to fund the financial gaps in the rehabilitation of older buildings in the downtown /millwork districts. At the same time, staff is pursuing changes to various tax credit programs on the national level, to assist in rehabilitation of historic structures. Housing Incentives: The City Council created a $2.5 million pool of funds to encourage downtown market -rate apartments. The City provides a CIP for the Downtown Rehabilitation Loan, Planning and Design Grant, Fa9ade Grant, and Financial Consultant Grant Programs which are designed to further the goals and objectives of the Greater Downtown Urban Renewal Plan by creating the financial incentives needed to eliminate conditions of blight, encourage revitalization efforts and to retain or create employment opportunities and /or new housing units within the district. 27 Green Healthy Homes Initiative: Working collaboratively across jurisdictions and silos of funding to identify and remove barriers to holistic, household centric approaches to improving health, safety, livability and affordability of housing in Dubuque. The Initiative "will identify the help citizens need, help them get that help and help them maintain and sustain the improvements." Initial meetings were held on January 26 February 11 and 18 to establish a working committee to set up kick off meeting of the Learning Network activity. Key partners are the Housing and Community Development Department, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Health Department, Operation New View, Visiting Nurse Association, Northeast Iowa Community College, Lead Hazard Control Grant, Healthy Homes Production Grant, Smarter City Project Manager Multicultural Family Center: Completed in FY 2010 to empower diverse neighbors, families and individuals through personal growth and participation in community activities in the $ 1.2 million rehabilitation of a City building to expand the Center. The Center's programs include cross - cultural educational and family activities. The City hired a full -time director to staff the Center. Bee Branch Realignment: Relocated 65 families as part of the City's Bee Branch Drainage Basin Master Plan activities. 70 houses were purchased, families relocated and the structures deconstructed to make way for a floodwater relief project designed to remove more than 1000 homes from chronic storm water flooding. Step by Step: A Bluff Street building was renovated to create a residence for persons with disabilities or special needs. The Hills and Dales agency completed occupancy with eight persons with disabilities in 2010. Washington Row Houses - City and Dubuque Bank and Trust purchased 'row houses' on Washington Street from six private owners. The units are currently being renovated and upon completion, will be re -sold to owner occupants as town homes. White Street Condos- 9 unit apartment building on White Street was purchased by the City from the Dubuque Community School District, then sold to a developer and converted into 5 condominiums. All units have been sold Urban Revitalization Program: The purpose of the program is to attract development to specific areas, which might otherwise continue to deteriorate, thereby stabilizing and eventually increasing the tax base within those areas. The abatements are intended to stimulate private investment by reducing the tax increases that would normally result from making improvements to residential property. The program focuses on revitalization of properties in the community's older neighborhoods and offers a property tax exemption for new improvements made to qualified residential properties and limited commercial properties. Owners who upgrade their residential properties located within a designated urban revitalization area are eligible to apply for a ten -year property tax exemption. Owners of commercial property in the Washington Neighborhood UR district are eligible for a three -year exemption. To qualify, improvements must increase the assessed value of the building by at least ten percent or greater depending on the specific district, and applies to those neighborhoods which have been designated as urban revitalization areas by the City Council. $8,484,650 is the 28 current value of properties in tax abatement as of the 2010. Housing Code Inspections: Inspection and Licensing Division assures all residents of rental properties in the City of Dubuque of decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions by requiring all dwelling units to meet minimum livability standards through a comprehensive Housing Code inspection program. Lead Hazard Reduction Program: To reduce lead paint poisoning in Dubuque's young children, begun in 1997 and refunded in FY2008 with a $2.9 million grant. 417 applications were received with 325 inspections and risk assessments of housing units being completed since the grant activities began in January 2008. 187 units have been completed. 51 training and certification classes were held providing training to 280 contractors, workers, and property owners, totaling 1,032 hours of both classroom and on -site training by Department inspection staff. Lead Hazard Control grant: $ 3 million grant awarded in January 2011 to fund several lead control initiatives including inspection and lead -based paint hazard reduction in 185 Dubuque housing units. It will provide a comprehensive public education campaign aimed at teaching property owners, tenants, and maintenance and remodeling contractors how to provide and maintain lead -safe dwellings. Additionally, area contractors will be certified, trained and provided economic incentives to grow their businesses and improve skills in lead hazard reduction Healthy Homes Production Program: $1 million grant awarded in January 2011. Provides funds to identify and remediate housing - related health and safety hazards in 100 low- income housing units throughout Dubuque Neighborhood Stabilization Program: $444,328 from the Iowa Department of Economic Development received in April 2009. The grant provides funding to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and deter decline in valuation of neighboring homes. Three foreclosed homes have been purchased, of which two have been rehabbed and one sold Washington Court project: Acquisition and adaptive reuse of a blighted historic building into 35 affordable rental housing units and the Crescent Community Health Center. Housing Rehabilitation: Housing and Community Development Department administers housing rehabilitation programs, for both owner - occupied housing and rental units. Rental Assistance Program: The City's primary means of directly providing affordable rental housing is through the federal HUD Section 8 Program. This program offers rental assistance to lower- income families for approximately $4 million annually with HUD funds paid to area landlords. This program has been operational in Dubuque since 1976. Carnegie -Stout Public Library Renovation: We set a goal of diverting deconstruction materials from the landfill; though final numbers are not available, we have reached at least 50 %. Our carpeting was sent to be recycled and the carpet we installed was made from recycled carpeting. Our insulation is blue jeans - reduced to the kind of fluff you see in a dryer basket. We have several counter tops made of sunflowers. Our lights are designed so that they do not contribute to "light pollution;" the fixtures inside the building are not 29 Agreement Date Development Jobs Created/ Retained Project Cost LEED Status 2007 Durrant Architects 60 $3 mil Platinum 2007 Medline Industries 300 $6.5 mil Silver 2008 Hormel Foods 200 $89 mil Gold 2009 IBM /Roshek Bldg 1,300 $39 mil Gold* 2009 Carnegie Stout Public Library 35 $6.8 mil Silver* 2010 National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium 110 $25 mil expansion creating $100 mil facility Certified* directed so that they can shine out. Materials used, including paint, varnish, and adhesives were LEED certified. The plantings around the library will require very little maintenance. The greatest impact of LEED, however, will come in the many policies we will be adopting that will regulate the percentage of "Green" cleaning products we use, measure our trash to reduce it and increase recycling, etc., etc. Studies show improved air quality will result in increased work productivity, fewer sick days, and fewer health bills as compared to prior to the renovation. Leisure Services Department: • Bunker Hill building window replacements 2006 • Park Maint Hdqtrs window replacement? 2009 • Bunker Hill lobby remodeling insulation install 2006 • Slattery Center roof replacement 2009 • Veterans Memorial Park restroom renovation plumbing & • Multicultural Family Center construction 2009 • Department incandescent light fixture replacement to CFL • Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all Business: The following are private and public LEED- certified buildings in Dubuque: light fixtures 2008 2007 - 11 lights with LED fixtures * Application pending; anticipated status. Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: HEALTHY LOCAL FOODS Government: Dubuque Eats Well: Dubuque Eats Well (DEW) is a strategic partnership within the Dubuque tri -state community that values sustainable Healthy Local Food (HLF) systems for the benefit of all. DEW is a participant in our regional food system network as it relates to the comprehensive social policy, economics and legislative issues. DEW values systematic resilience within the six local food chain interlinks: production, distribution /marketing, processing, purchasing /consumption, preparation and waste minimization. DEW works to influence the Dubuque community's evolving food culture and foodshed to support "well- 30 being" related to: healthy eaters, access to HLF, food safety and security, thriving local economies, rejuvenated neighborhoods, local and ethnic cuisine, profitable producers, farmer laborers receiving a living wage, "fair trade" support, vibrant biodiversity, lighter carbon and water footprints, eco- literate food tourism and zero waste composting. DEW has been organizing and meeting regularly for a year and a half and in November 2010, hired a part-time local foods coordinator intern to staff the group. The position was funded through a partnership between the City of Dubuque AmeriCorps and a grant through ISU's Leopold Center. The DEW core team is made up of producers, consumers, local government leaders and market coordinators. Our partners include the Dubuque County ISU Extension Office; the City of Dubuque; Limestone Bluffs RC &D which facilitates the River Bend Buy Fresh, Buy Local chapter; Dubuque Hy -Vee grocery stores; River Valley Nursery, Landscape and Garden Center; The Historic Downtown Farmers Market managed by Dubuque Main Street; and the weekday and Winter Farmers Market with participation from Dubuque Growers Coalition facilitated by the Four Mounds Foundation. These last three entities are local food system producers and /or businesses. Core group members have also been engaged with additional participating organizations and businesses including the University of Illinois Extension through Margaret Larson; The University of Wisconsin - Platteville through their "Local Fare" program; The Dubuque Health Services Department engaged with wellness and food safety; The Dubuque CSA network (5 supplying farms); Mount Saint Francis Mother house's local food production and historic producing contracting; local chefs purchasing local food for their restaurants; Dubuque Community and Holy Family school systems; The Dubuque Area Campus Sustainability network; Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency Food Residuals co- Composting program; Washington Neighborhood Redevelopment Corporation; Dubuque Rescue Mission's sourcing donated food for the homeless and growing their own community garden; Local wineries promoting eco -food tourism; TFM, a local food /convenience retail chain developing a healthy food processing enterprise; Breitbach's Farmers Market Store/The Food Store; Dubuque Downtown Christian Outreach (DDCO); and Crescent Community Health Center. Beyond these partners, other groups in the Dubuque community have also formally committed to supporting HFL. Dubuque 2.0 is a partnership between the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque with a broad - based steering committee that aims to "inspire sustainability" through community engagement. The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation hosts the Sustainability Innovations Consortium which explores new business opportunities including those related to food system infrastructure. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is the fiscal agent for the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative (NEIFFI). We envision NEIFFI and the Northeast Iowa Food and Farm Coalition as key potential partners for supplying local food in the DEW region. There is strong support for local foods with area legislators. The East Central Intergovernmental Association is spearheading sustainability projects in DEW's four - county Iowa region. DEW is the representative of the local foods effort in Alliant Energy's Riverlands economic development partnership which includes representatives from the Driftless Regions of Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. DEW is current working to identify local food producers and potential buyers as well as other necessary components and links in order to facilitate and build the local foods infrastructure in our region. The group is also endeavoring to identify potential partners for processing and distribution. Aside from working with businesses, restaurants and grocery 31 stores, DEW is also working with area school districts to increase the amount of local foods offered in school lunches. In order to facilitate these goals, DEW is currently compiling a centralized directory of producers, buyers, and local foods groups. To that end, DEW has partnered with the River Bend Buy Fresh, Buy Local which is facilitated by the Limestone Bluffs RC &D and ECIA which hosts a Buyer - Supplier website. In addition, DEW will be launching a website so that this information will be hosted in one central location. DEW also exists to support existing local foods projects and activities. Dubuque has a steady and growing local food system including the oldest seasonal farmers market in Iowa, which has existed since the 1850s. With the addition of the Winter Farmers Market three years ago and four weekday farmers markets, producers and consumers now have year round and multiple locations to access local food using this market venue. There are currently five CSA's operating in Dubuque County, two community gardens and a strong newly incorporated food coop. In addition, The Garden Organic, a bi- weekly program on the Dubuque Community Schools cable channel, uses a reality show concept of middle school youth learning to grow food cooperatively and exploring the local food system. The Kids in the Kitchen program, winner of the national 2009 Beacon Award for the best public awareness series on cable TV, is another program of the Dubuque Community Schools in partnership with Hy -Vee. It covers a local chef mentoring kids in preparing healthy food from scratch. Dubuque has options for donating surplus food to homeless and needy families. A number of restaurants list local food options on their menus. There are several producers and businesses that have engaged in local produce contracting. The City of Dubuque offers curbside food scrap collection, food scrap co- composting, zero waste programming and event support options. In partnership with Dubuque Main Street, Dubuque Eats Well recently hosted a Farmers Market Vendors conference on January 22 at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque. Market managers from Dane County, Wisconsin; Iowa City; and the Quad Cities markets participated in the event, which was designed to share best practice and, as a group, confront issues that plague many farmers markets. The event also featured a question - and- answer session as well as break -out sessions with individual market managers. More than 60 people attended and were served a variety of refreshments from local producers and merchants. Dubuque Eats Well is also currently partnering with members of the Downtown Dubuque Christian Outreach in a container garden project. The group is specifically targeting the Dubuque downtown area although all interested parties are encouraged to apply. The project will be advertised through a brochure distributed through area churches, DDCO members, and other organizations. The group has funding for 25 -30 gardens and will provide all of the necessary materials to participants free of charge. Each participating individual or family will be paired with a "garden guide" who will serve as a source of information and encouragement throughout the growing season. The container gardens are easier to maintain than in- ground gardens and can provide an abundance of healthy local food in a small space. The group hopes to partner with Dubuque's Days of Caring for the installation of these gardens. Municipal Services Center Garden Share Project: The MSC has also developed a small garden share project that provide the opportunity for employees to bring in surplus garden produce and place these produce items in a box in the strategy room to made available to other employees interested. 32 Leisure Services Department: • Growing in Garden & Outdoor Fun 2009 • From Garden to your Table class 2010 • From your Garden to your Tummy class 2010 Public Information Office: More healthy food options available at City Expo beginning in 2010. Library: Held three public events focused on healthy local foods from 2008 -2010; 79 attendees. Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE Government: Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map: The 2008 Dubuque Comprehensive Plan looks at the city as a whole and the surrounding region, with policy statements, goals, and objectives established for the physical, economic, and social environments of the community. As a result, our Comprehensive Plan has reflected the three principles of sustainability -- environmental, economic, and social equity needs — since 1995. For the 2008 update of the Comprehensive Plan and creation of the 2030 Future Land Use Map, the City of Dubuque collaborated with other entities on their planning efforts, including the Dubuque County Comprehensive Land Use Development Plan, the City of Asbury's Comprehensive Plan, the City of Peosta's Comprehensive Plan, and the DMATS 2031 Long Range Transportation Plan. National Alliance of Preservation Commissions: The NAPC is the only organization devoted solely to representing the nation's preservation design review commissions. NAPC provides technical support and manages an information network to help local commissions accomplish their preservation objectives. The City's Historic Preservation Commission hosted and sponsored NAPC CAMP (Commission Assistant and Mentoring Program) workshops for local, state, and regional preservation commissioners and staff in 2008 and 2010. Downtown Design Guidelines Training: Training on the City's Downtown Design Guidelines and Design Review process was provided to downtown property owners, design professionals, HPC, and City staff in 2009. Public Information Office: The Public Information Office has been heavily involved in nearly every project and aspect of Sustainable Dubuque since 2006. Generally speaking, the Public Information Office has been responsible for marketing /publicizing the initiative since its inception. Early projects included: 33 • Development of the Addy Award - winning Sustainable Dubuque logo (created by Two Dames Design) • Development of the Sustainable Dubuque webpages (www.sustainabledubuque.orq), a subsite within the City's site • Development of individual icons for the 11 sustainability principles (created by Two Dames Design) • Development of early Sustainable Dubuque print materials, including flyers /handouts and the Mayor's Green Pledge cards • Working with the Cable TV Division on the creation of 11 individual TV spots for CityChannel 8 promoting the Green Pledge and sustainability principles • Coordination of 2009's City Expo, the theme of which was Sustainable Dubuque • Served on planning committee and coordinated marketing and publications /materials for each "Growing Sustainable Communities Conference" in 2008, 2009, and 2010 • Assisted with coordination and promotion of 2009 Cabinet Secretaries' Livable Communities Tour visit • Assisted with coordination and promotion of 2009 IBM Smarter City Partnership announcement event • GIS Coordinator /Analyst created original Green Asset Map and presented at Growing Sustainable Communities Conference • Designed application booklet for Livability Award Application • Designed four retractable banners promoting Sustainable Dubuque and sustainability principles • Served on planning committee, coordinated marketing and developed all print materials for the 2009 Earth Day Breakfast event at Grand River Center • Developed the Smarter Sustainable Dubuque project logo and individual icons for smarter water, smarter electricity, and smarter natural gas • Developed all recruitment materials and coordinated recruitment efforts resulting in 311 volunteer households for smarter water pilot study • Developed all recruitment materials and coordinated recruitment of 900+ volunteer households for smarter electricity pilot study • Created website subsite for Smarter Sustainable Dubuque and added FAQs for each pilot study to website knowledge base • Participate in or attend most meetings and conference calls with IBM staff and project partners (Alliant Energy, Black Hills Energy, Dubuque 2.0) • Assist Smarter Sustainable Dubuque Project Manager with PowerPoints, media inquiries, and miscellaneous requests • Designed monthly Sustainability ads for the TH in 2010 • GIS provided mapping for distribution of Green Tool Kits to homes in April 2010 • CityChannel 8 programming o Growing Sustainable Communities conference telecasts from 2009 & 2010 o City Journal interview programs • Dubuque & Sustainability • Smarter Sustainable Dubuque • Green Alley Pilot Project • Pay As You Throw • Dubuque Recycling • Waste to Wealth • Bee Branch Project (three separate shows) 34 • Sustainable Design Assessment • Winter Farmers Market • Sustainable Landscaping (2011) • Southwest Arterial (2011) • Every Child 1 Every Promise • Water Meter Replacement Project • Landfill Diversion • Water Pollution Control Plant Project o IBM /Dubuque Smarter Cities project o Sustainable Communities Tour o Sustainability 101 o Keyline Rack & Ride promotional spot o Winter Yard Waste /Food Scrap Pickup o City Expo live telecasts o City Council work sessions on Sustainable Dubuque o Reinforcement of Sustainable Dubuque initiative by station identification spots, placing appropriate Green Pledge icons on programming, CityChannel 8 graphics Growing Sustainable Communities Conference: In early 2008, Dubuque hosted its first Growing Sustainable Communities Conference entitled Leading the Way to Global Climate Solutions" at the Grand River Center in the Port of Dubuque. It was a regional event that was attended by over 600 elected officials, business and community leaders, and college students from the tri -state area. This inaugural event was designed to provide community leaders with the knowledge of experts about the science of climate and how to incorporate sustainability into their own communities. The conference has grown to a full day regional attraction, attracting approximately 350 attendees from seven states in 2010. This year's conference will be held on October 12. Library: Hosted the Green Earth Magic Show and author Margaret Read MacDonald in 2010, attracting approximately 425 attendees. Created recycling displays in honor of Earth Day in 2010 and will do so again in 2011. Safe Community Task Force (Top Priority): In September 2009, more than 130 residents attended a forum to begin an open dialogue on crime and safety in the community. In response to this high level of community engagement, the Mayor and City Council appointed a diverse group of 25 resident volunteers to a "Safe Community Task Force" to evaluate causes and solutions to crime and make recommendations to the leadership of Dubuque. In order to expand resident engagement, the Task Force invited people to participate in the following sub - committees: 1) neighborhood engagement/social capital, 2) enforcement, 3) management of physical environment, and 4) research and facts. A series of meetings were held and a number of recommendations were submitted to the City Council for further action. The Task Force has achieved the following since its inception. First, this diverse group with very different opinions and perspectives, had open and difficult conversations so that they could begin to reach some common understanding of the breadth of issues that needed to be addressed and the difficulty of the task. Second, they agreed on two primary goals: 35 1. Identifying and acting upon things that most effectively reduce crime and that most effectively reduce the perception of crime. 2. Recognizing that people want to feel safe and identifying ways to provide that feeling of safety for people. Third, they gathered ideas from subcommittee members, brought those ideas to a series of Task Force meetings, discussed them and ultimately forwarded 9 recommendations to Council on 2/1/10 and 33 additional recommendations to Council on 7/19/10. Impact: This type of resident engagement, while challenging and less than perfect, is a fundamental necessity in order for a democratic community to be sustainable. On October 4, 2010, the City Council approved, upon recommendation from the Task Force, the creation of a Safe Community Advisory Committee whose role is to oversee the implementation progress of the Task Force recommendations for a one year period. The members were appointed in December, and the first meeting will be on March 2, 2011. Impact: Having residents engaged in implementation oversight educates, empowers, and engages residents by building resident awareness of the scope of the issues, by supporting government accountability, and by building public trust. Based on a Task Force recommendation, the City Council approved a contract with Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies to conduct a detailed study on crime and poverty in Dubuque. NIU delivered the final study results to the Task Force in January 2011, the Task Force met on February 5 and February 8 and formulated 18 recommendations in response to the study, which will be presented to the City Council at a worksession on February 28, 2011. Impact: The study provides detailed factual information, as well as information on what scientific studies indicate are more or less effective in the areas of reducing crime and the perception of crime and creating safety. The study results will assist with educating and empowering both City staff and the general public in making wise decisions. The Task Force recommended that its members be allowed to act as a conduit for accurate information to the public. Task Force members were provided a broad range of information as a result of participating on the Task Force and they have since participated in a variety of speaking engagements. Impact: Having community members hold discussions with the general public takes advantage of their experiences as a member of the public reviewing information and participating on a resident advisory group, and also allows for more effective distribution of information so staff can focus on handling those aspects of daily governmental operations that require staff expertise. The Task Force recommended that property owners not be provided government funding unless their properties are in compliance or they are working towards compliance. In August, the Economic Development Department began using a certification form and cross - checking compliance with code enforcement departments. The Housing Department also began requiring code compliance for all rental property owners seeking Rehab funds. Inspections and code compliance already are required for property owners seeking to rent to those receiving Section 8 rental assistance. 36 Impact: These steps will result in safe buildings and will improve livability and equity for residents in rental units. The Task Force recommended encouraging people to improve lighting around their properties. The City has expanded the Washington Neighborhood Yard Lighting initiative to include neighborhoods east of the Bluffs and all low- moderate income neighborhoods. Property owners are eligible for a rebate of up to $250 for front yard lighting that meets certain requirements, and up to $100 for back yard lighting. Impact: Extra lighting will enhance neighborhood safety. The Task Force recommended reducing the time allotted for correcting property violations from the current two years. In April 2010, the City Council amended the Housing Code to reduce inspections and the appeals board process to be completed in no more than 9 months. Impact: This change will result in property violations being corrected more quickly. The Task Force recommended that the Police Department enforce noise and traffic ordinances more aggressively. Since February 2010, Chief Dalsing has instituted this as part of Department goals and expectations. During the first half of 2010, noise enforcement was up 28 %. In addition, 30% of Territory Accountability Design special enforcement efforts in 2009 were geared towards traffic. The Task Force also recommended that the City require landlords to conduct mandatory background checks. Beginning July 1, 2011, mandatory checks of felonies and criminal misdemeanors of adult tenants will go into effect, with landlords retaining the option to use the City's free service to conduct those checks. The City will have a part-time staff person dedicated to implementing this service. In addition, landlords are required to attend Crime Free Multihousing Training, the first session of which will be offered on March 12, 2011. Impact: Landlords will be aware of the criminal histories of their tenants when making rental decisions, and also will be aware of the legal standards surrounding the operation of rental housing. The Task Force recommended that the City establish a threshold number of police complaints that will result in the property being designated for City assistance to resolve problems at the property. In January 2011, the Council adopted an ordinance change describing the types and numbers of calls that will place the property in a priority category. Between December 2009 and November 2010, 1,163 letters went out notifying landlords of calls to their properties that involved a total of 51 different types of violations. The Task Force recommended that the City intensify exterior code enforcement efforts. In August 2010, the Housing Department implemented a homeowner exterior inspection process in the Washington Neighborhood, which involves a compliance checklist and information on financial assistance available. By December 2010, inspections of more than half of the 200 homes have been completed. Impact: These efforts should significantly affect appearance of downtown properties. 37 The Task Force recommended efforts to increase public understanding of the Section 8 program. As a result, the Housing Department have had a variety of speaking engagements, been interviewed on radio and television, and created a City Cable Channel 8 presentation. They also began circulating a monthly newsletter and updated and expanded their website with new links for the Family Self- Sufficiency and Circles Programs. Impact: The public will be educated about the facts surrounding Section 8 rental assistance. The Task Force recommended increasing participation of Section 8 participants in self - sufficiency programs. As of December 2010, the Getting Ahead program has graduated its 112 participant. In addition, the Circles initiative has begun and the Circles coach has been hired. The Resident Advisory Board also has become more engaged with regular meetings with Housing Department staff. Impact: Participants in self- sufficiency programs and their allies will be empowered to make responsible choices and to address systemic problems that interfere with success. The Task Force recommended increased human relations efforts as a priority in the community, as well as mandatory intercultural training for City staff and City Board and Commission members. In August 2010, the Human Rights Department reorganized to permit additional staff time focused on conflict management, mediation, facilitated dialogue, training on cultural differences and intercultural communication, and systemic change initiatives. A pilot Board and Commission training was offered in the fall of 2010, and the first training open to all Board and Commission members, plus the general public, is scheduled for April 2011. In addition, the Human Rights Department partners with the Multicultural Family Center and faces & voices to offer a variety of cultural events in the community. The Multicultural Family Center is designed to provide a welcoming environment and build unity across differences. Impact: These initiatives will lead to an improved ability to create an inclusive environment, to build bridging social capital, and to negotiate conflict across cultural differences. Human Rights- The Safe Community Task Force has received the final Crime and Poverty Study from Northern Illinois University Center on Governmental Studies, and attended a three hour presentation regarding the study results on January 25. The Task Force met on February 5 and on February 8 to discuss the report and has formulated a series of recommendations for City Council based on the results of the report. The Task Force will hold a worksession with City Council on Monday, February 28. The goal of the worksession will be to summarize the work of the Task Force to date, the implementation status of prior recommendations, and then review for the Council the additional recommendations from the Task Force based on the NIU study results. Family Self- Sufficiency (FSS) Program: A HUD grant funds a staff person who provides homeownership and financial counseling for 42 FSS participants, who are Section 8 recipients. In Fiscal Year 2011 another FSS staff position was approved by the City Council. The additional staff will allow an expansion of the program to include 75 -90 families being served. The FSS Program prepares participants for financial independence and possible homeownership. 38 Bridges Initiative: Our FSS coordinator co- facilitates "Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin'- By World," a program for people in poverty to help them understand the hidden rules of the middle class as well as communication skills, value systems, and expectations used in order to bridge the gap from poverty. Participants are exposed to the `Bridges out of Poverty' concept based on Philip DeVol and Ruby Payne's research on poverty, which offers a framework for understanding the culture of poverty. Two sessions were completed in FY 2010. There were 80 participants enrolled and 56 graduates. "Getting Ahead" graduates can now become leaders in the "Circles" initiative, begun in September 2010, that matches them with community members known as allies, who support them in their journey to self- sufficiency. With the help and friendship of these allies, each Circle leader sets and achieves goals unique to their own needs. Circles meetings are held weekly. This program received an Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Two classes in process for Getting Ahead for forty -five participants plus five facilitators who are Getting Ahead graduates. Graduation scheduled for June 10th. Separate classes now under way for Spanish- speaking persons and for teens. Circles — Four matched Circles now created; Two Big View meetings and two Guiding Coalition meetings have been held. FSS Coordinator met with John Deere Human Resources to explore doing a Bridges training for supervisors. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re- Housing Program (HPRP): $502,294 ARRA Grant received in 2009 provides financial and other assistance to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re- housed and stabilized. The funds target individuals and families who would be homeless if not for this assistance. The HPRP grant has assisted 149 families (370 persons) since the inception of the program in September 2009. Homelessness prevention, which assisted families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless, provided financial services to 108 households (295 persons) in the form of rental assistance, security and utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance and motel /hotel vouchers. Case management and outreach were provided to 144 households (353 persons). Homeless assistance provided financial assistance to 42 households (76 persons). As of the end of December 2010, a total of $304,177 has been expended. Road to Success jobs fair for Family Self- Sufficiency Program participants, "Getting Ahead" participants and residents of our community shelters as well as many of our community agency partners. At this event, 62 participants took part in mock job interviews, received critical feedback and also "shopped" for good business clothing donated by the Housing Department and other City staff as well as from community volunteers. This prepares Section 8 renters and other low income families for entry into the job market and eventual graduation from welfare assistance. This program also received a NAHRO National Award of Merit. Shelter Plus Care Program: The $536 000 grant commenced in FY 2008 for the five -year 39 program to provide rental assistance to homeless persons with disabilities. The Housing and Community Development Department administers the funds and provides them to Project Concern, who contracts with private landlords to provide needed housing. Arts and Culture: The City of Dubuque is participating in national studies of arts, culture, heritage and preservation. Two highly acclaimed studies are underway pertaining to the art, cultural, heritage and historical preservation aspects of the Dubuque area. Both studies have been developed by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts. The Arts and Economic Prosperity IV, an economic impact study conducted with the non - profit sector in the city of Dubuque, will evaluate the impact spending by nonprofit arts organizations and their audiences have on their local economies. The City of Dubuque will collaborate with the community's arts organizations to collect surveys from at least 800 Dubuque arts and culture event attendees during 2011. The Local Arts Index (LAI) will be conducted with both the non - profit and for - profit sectors throughout Dubuque County. Dubuque has been selected to be one of only 100 communities that will participate in the inaugural LAI. Dubuque is the only county in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota participating in the study, an 18 -month research initiative that serves as a complement to the National Arts Index. The findings from the LAI will be reported in Fall 2011 with a customized report for the county. The index provides an evidence- based look at key issues such as the growing number of artists and art organizations, changing audience demands, the impact of technology, personal participation, and the relationship to the arts and economy. This information will provide the possibility for greater partnerships, cooperation, improved access, and increased funding for the arts. The entire community can use this broad and detailed hard data in grant making, advocacy, economic development, tourism and attracting people and business to Dubuque, important elements in contributing to our social and cultural vibrancy. This knowledge about arts, culture and heritage in Dubuque County has never before been collected in one source. Specifically, the Arts and Economic Prosperity study's results will include: • The total dollars spent by Dubuque's nonprofit arts and culture organizations • The total dollars spent by audiences as a direct result of their attendance at arts and culture events in Dubuque • The number of full -time equivalent jobs supported by arts spending • The amount of resident, household income — including salaries and wages — generated by arts spending • The amount of local and state government tax revenues generated by arts spending The Local Arts Index is the first county -level study ever designed to measure the health and vitality of the arts industries throughout the United States. It will use a single methodology with information gathered from research produced by the federal government and private research organizations and covering multiple industries, including non - profit groups, for - profit arts businesses, employment figures, and more. When these quantitative measures are taken together, the Local Arts Index will provide a year -by -year and community -by- community comparison of the nation's arts sector. The Index is being developed so that it can be replicated in communities across the country. Through the Local Arts Index, the character of Dubuque County's art culture 40 will be explored to determine: what makes the county unique from other areas in the nation; the vitality of the arts and how much exists, and; how we compare to other counties. The main areas of study are: • Performing arts venues • Local ownership of cultural resources • The local literary scene • Festivals • K -12 arts education • Performance and presentation opportunities for young artists • Coverage of local arts and culture in print media • Reputation and artistic reach • Tourism draw of local arts and culture • Nightlife and the arts • Tourism marketing of the arts • Ethnic groups in the cultural life of the community Arts Funding: The City of Dubuque has provided over $1.5 million dollars in funding for the arts since 2005.The City has invested $1,560,000 through three programs: $1,200,000 has been awarded to area arts and cultural organizations through the Operating Support Grant Program and $240,000 through the Special Projects Grant Program, with an additional $120,000 to fund Art on the River, a temporary sculpture exhibition along the Mississippi RiverWalk in the Port of Dubuque. Operating support is provided to established 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations located in the City of Dubuque that primarily serve Dubuque residents with year -round arts and culture events, programs and services, and that can demonstrate a record of programmatic and administrative stability. The Special Projects Arts and Culture Grant program provided funding to 34 separate projects which have expanded arts and cultural opportunities in our community, significantly contributing to our community's social and cultural vibrancy. Intercultural Competency Initiative: The Human Rights Department offered 40 sessions of intercultural competence training to City staff and the community in FY 2010. This included a 3.5 hour training on Intercultural Conflict Styles for all City staff. In addition, the Human Rights Department offers two 3.5 hour introductory trainings for City staff each summer, which is required training for all new employees (longer term employees have already attended these sessions). Staff also has planned four intercultural mini - trainings for City staff during 2011, the first of which was held in February. In the fall of 2010, the Human Rights Department offered a pilot program consisting of two, 2.5 hour sessions for the SCTF members and Human Rights Commissioners, and these same training sessions will now be offered to all Board and Commission members twice a year in April and September, beginning in April 2011. These sessions will be open to the general public as well. Staff is in the process of developing partnerships with three non - profit organizations and with the Chamber of Commerce in hopes of expanding opportunities for Intercultural training to the general public. In addition, staff has offered various sessions for local college students over the past several months, including for a class of future teachers. Public Works: The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA), a 28E 41 partnership of the County and City of Dubuque. Since 1995, the DMASWA has employed a community educator. The position's official title is Education and Communication Coordinator. The Coordinator is responsible for managing the DMASWA's highly - informative website, making numerous presentations to area school assemblies and community organizations, hosting tours of the DMASWA's facilities and those of partner service providers, preparing the DMASWA's bi- annual Recycling and Reuse Guide (which is inserted in area newspapers in April and November of each year), providing staff support to the Dubuque area chapter of Keep Iowa Beautiful (Keep Dubuque County Clean and Green) and the Dubuque County Illegal Dumping Task Force, developing and distributing the DMASWA's numerous public education flyers and advertisements, developing and distributing relevant school curriculum resources, managing the DMASWA's Green Vision Education Program, and coordinating recycling efforts at Dubuque county's colleges. The Coordinator's primary impact on communities throughout Dubuque and Delaware counties is heightened public awareness as to how residents can reduce their energy use, shrink their carbon footprint, extend their only landfill's lifespan, and improve the quality of the world they live in. Resource Management Coordinator Role: The job description and title of the old Solid Waste Management Supervisor position was revised to the new Resource Management Coordinator (RMC) in January 2009. Resource Management staff have drafted presentations, and also made hundreds of presentations over the last five years to local, regional and national audiences on both resource management topics, the Sustainable Dubuque model and more in depth on 7 of the 11 SD components. The RMC is a member of the Dubuque 2.0 Steering Committee to help "inspire sustainability" and foster community behavior change. The RMC was both a member of the 2009 Governor's Comprehensive Recycling Taskforce and the 2010 Governor's Green Advisory Committee. CARADCO Training Center: ECIA, in partnership with NICC, Iowa Workforce Development, the City of Dubuque, Americorps and Four Mounds HEART Program, are working collaboratively to expanding the award - winning HEART Program by developing a downtown community training center in the heart of the Historic Millwork District. The Mission of the program is: To educate and enhance the employability of youth and adults through progressive education and community engagement. The Goals and objectives of the initiative are to: 1. Inspire diverse learners through individualized goals and an urban learning environment. 2. Develop relevant educational outcomes in partnership with business and industry. 3. Form partnerships and leverage community resources to grow creative capital and promote entrepreneurism. 4. Foster connections with the community through mentoring opportunities. 5. Provide a multitude of counseling and support services to ensure individual success. 6. Educate the whole person for success as people, workers and citizens. ECIA is helping to coordinate monthly meetings of the partners. Work to date includes the development of a capital and operating budget, identification of curriculum for the Training 42 Center as well as development of a future capital and operating campaign. Business: Non - Profit: Dubuque 2.0 (Mgt Agenda, High Priority): • Dubuque 2.0 continues to inspire the community each month with the Dubuque 2.0 eNewsletter. This electronic newsletter focuses on one of the 11 Sustainability Principles each month, highlights the definition, and features a guest column written by an expert in the respective field. • Thanks to support from our partners at the City of Dubuque, we have launched our interactive and mobile Green Map. The Green Map is a tool for visitors to locate and share sustainable assets with others in the community. The map identifies businesses, schools, landmarks, and amenities throughout the community that exemplify sustainable practices, behaviors, products, and services. The map allows users to not only locate these resources in the community, but allows for participation by adding sites, commenting on sites, sharing how a site has changed one's behavior, and sharing personal experiences about sites. • The Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability Challenge is an exciting community game that will engage players in sustainable actions that will hopefully evolve into everyday behavior. The challenge game will be an 11 -week competition (featuring one of the 11 Sustainability Principle each week) encouraging sustainable activities each week and at least one in- person event, workshop, or action to obtain points towards the chance to win weekly prizes, recognition, and chance to win a grand prize. Participation will also be encouraged through team play, by attributing one's points to organizations, clubs, businesses, or school of their choice, encouraging viral interest amongst co- workers, classmates, customers, and neighbors. • We are currently finishing development of the online game, which will be available to access on the Dubuque 2.0 website and will supplement the Dubuque 2.0 Dashboard. • As well, we are finalizing design and production of a physical game board to allow for off-line play by citizens who choose to. This off-line game board will be supported by information and activities provided in the Dubuque 2.0 Sustainability Toolkit. We will provide you with a game board when we receive the final product. • We are currently in mid -phase of development of our Dubuque 2.0 Dashboard, which is modeled after www.parkcitygreen.org, and will enable users to document, visualize, and make more informed decisions based on their resource use (water, natural gas, electricity, travel, food, and waste). This tool will personalize a users "footprint ", be it in terms of carbon, consumption, or dollars. The dashboard will also suggest specific activities one can do to better manage their use and create efficiencies of their choosing. The aggregate data collected through this process will allow us to obtain measurable results of our community engagement with participants and create comparisons to baseline survey results collected throughout the community. 43 Dubuque 2.0 continues to provide convenient access to the Smarter Sustainable Dubuque (IBM + City of Dubuque + Utility Providers) web portals. Each group of pilot study participants can access a unique and secure web portal developed by IBM Researchers as part of the IBM Smarter Planet initiative. More information on our work with Smarter Sustainable Dubuque can be found below under Dubuque 2.0 Partnerships. We have finalized the design and production of our sustainability toolkit. This kit consists of an information booklet and journal, removable adhesive sticker, and static window cling in a 100% recycled reusable cloth bag. Not only will the contents empower people to learn about sustainability, access valuable resources for energy audits, rebates, and free weatherization services, but also allow them to immediately act more sustainable by using the reusable shopping bag. We will provide you with a full toolkit when we receive the final product. • Since September of 2010, we have been hosting monthly "Dubuque 2.0 Community Cafes ". These community gatherings encourage dialogue, learning, and community participation around sustainability. The Dubuque 2.0 Community Cafes are events open to the public, but are hosted in a variety of venues to reach a variety of interested participants. Additionally, we have produced an information card encouraging citizens to host their own community cafes and will continue to develop materials to assist them with making these meaningful and effective gatherings to exchange and share sustainability tips and information with others in the community. We plan to share these experiences through our website in the Share It Forum. Supplemental information and materials are available if you'd like more information; i.e. agendas, topic questions, etc. We have launched our online discussion forum, called Share It on our website. After listening to community members and learning from the Knight Foundation's Media Learning Seminar and Digital Boot camp, we aimed to create a "one -stop shop" for sustainability information. This venue is our aim to do that. We are currently posting and sharing information on the forum and are gathering regular "contributors" who will populate the forum with a variety of topical and local information for our audience. Every Child, Every Promise (High Priority): Current priorities include: • Out of School time- committee of key OST providers has applied for a grant to start a coordinated, collaborative program for Middle School Students at Jefferson and Washington schools. • Data- committee is developing a web -based "growth chart" to provide key indicator data to the community regarding our young people age 0 -20: • Transportation- committee is implementing a Walking School Bus program at Fulton School. Also developing a needs assessment to determine transportation opportunities for youth Founded in 2004, Every Child 1 Every Promise was formerly known as Mississippi Valley Promise. Based on a model presented by the America's Promise Alliance, and in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Mississippi Valley Promise brought the concept of every child, every promise to Dubuque County. In the fall of 2008, the organization officially changed the name to Every Child 1 Every Promise 44 to reflect this work and provide consistency with the initiative. The mission of the organization has not changed. America's Promise Alliance uses the Five Promises framework to shape their efforts and improve the odds for youth: 1) Caring Adults 2) Safe Places 3) Healthy Start 4) Effective Education 5) Opportunities to Help Others Children who receive at least four of the Five Promises are much more likely than those who experience only one or zero Promises to succeed academically, socially and civically. They are more likely to avoid violence, contribute to their communities and achieve high grades in school. Continuum of Care: A working network of homeless shelter and service providers created in 2001 to respond to the needs of the City's homeless population. The successful development of the Maria House, the four Davis Place SROs and Hillcrest's transitional housing facility has provided significant new shelter opportunities. The Teresa Shelter for homeless women and children was opened during FY 2006. Manasseh House, a 19 room single room occupancy (SRO) facility for 19 single women was completed in FY 2007. The Salvia House SRO opened in 2010. The City partners with Project Concern, Maria House, Hillcrest Family Services, and Manasseh House for the annual allocation of Continuum of Care funds. This grant, under the "Supported Housing Program" category, provides funding for support services for homeless persons and families. These activities include outreach services, counseling, a "homeless hotline," and staffing for transitional housing and the Manasseh House SRO for women. Schools: Green Vision Education Program: The list of Green Vision Education Schools is growing! Since the beginning of the program in 2005, twelve schools have received the award and several more are working towards achieving it during this school year. Current Green Vision Education schools are: • John Marshall Elementary School • Resurrection Catholic Elementary School • Table Mound Elementary School • Abraham Lincoln Elementary School • St. Columbkille's Catholic Elementary School • Dubuque Montessori School • Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School • Prescott Elementary School • Holy Ghost Catholic Elementary School • St. Anthony's /Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Elementary School • Sageville Elementary School Through these schools, over 600 staff members, 3800 students, and 2600 families are 45 participating in the Green Vision Education Program. The program recognizes student and staff efforts to reduce waste in their schools, as well as the schools' recently implemented energy- saving practices. Green Vision schools receive flags to hang outside their buildings and banners to display in their hallways or gyms. Some of the practices that have been implemented by the schools include food scrap composting, worm bin composting, increased paper and container recycling, and reduction in the use of disposable products. Green Vision evaluation and support partners include the DMASWA, the Dubuque Community School District, the Holy Family Catholic Schools, Durrant Inc., the Dubuque County Conservation Board, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Mines of Spain, the Catfish Creek Watershed Project - Dubuque County Soil and Water District, the Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, Keep Dubuque County Clean & Green, the City of Dubuque, and Green Dubuque. Sustainable Loras: Many organizations and individuals are working hard to be green. Loras College's efforts are ongoing, but its commitment to the cause goes one step further. In 2008, President James E. Collins signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, joining the leaders of more than 500 other institutions across the country to accelerate the research and educational efforts to equip society to re- stabilize the climate. Loras has signed on to take an active approach to sharply reduce and eventually eliminate all of the College's global warming emissions. A Sustainability Committee has formed to evaluate ways in which the College can conserve, preserve and protect Earth's resources. Many initiatives have already been implemented, demonstrating Loras' commitment: • Loras participates year -round in the food scrap recycling program with the City of Dubuque. • A print - release system requires students to enter an ID number at printers on campus before their documents are actually printed. This has reduced unnecessary printing and the number of printed documents not retrieved. • The student senate has purchased recycling bins for each individual residence hall room, classroom and outdoor space across campus. • The cafeteria at Loras has eliminated trays, thus conserving water and energy from the cleaning of the trays. It has also increased social awareness of food waste. • Alliant Energy presented Loras College with $327,000 in energy efficiency rebates for the green building practices used in the construction of the Athletic and Wellness Center. • Faculty and students use eLearn as a way to electronically share documents and take tests, cutting back on the amount of paper handouts in the classroom. • Loras participates in RecycleMania which last year collected 13 pounds of recyclables per person. "These efforts build on Loras' ongoing commitment to sustainability, which as a natural outgrowth of its Catholic identity will bear witness to careful, thorough, lasting and sustainable stewardship of all creation for the sake of present and future generations and for the common good," notes Collins. 46 Loras College has taken great strides toward becoming a sustainable campus. Loras is also proud to have signed on as a partner with the City of Dubuque in support of the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability, which are the cornerstones of the City's 11 -point plan to address sustainability issues long term. People & Neighborhoods: Green Dubuque: Green Dubuque is a registered 501(c)3 non - profit organization committed to improving and beautifying Dubuque by reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions, promoting smart development and urban green space, and protecting the health and integrity of local ecosystems. The group works to unite local organizations and individuals who are already doing so much to make our city a healthy and pleasant place to live. They provide resources for those who wish to stay informed about global environmental issues as well as opportunities for responsible citizens to get involved in local environmental and city improvement projects. Since 2006, Green Dubuque has led or been involved in numerous projects to support the Sustainable Dubuque vision, including organizing grassroots events, research and reporting on a variety of sustainability and climate change - related topics, lobbying for local and state government activity, community education and supporting local foods initiatives in a variety of ways. Specific projects of significance that they have been key partners in include the following: 2012 by 2012: The 2,012 by 2012 program is an effort to reduce Dubuque's greenhouse gas emissions by the amount that 2,012 cars would produce annually by 2012. Green Dubuque is working with partners to distribute free CFLs and sign residents up forAlliant's Second Nature renewable energy purchasing program to achieve these goals. CARE Bombs: CARE stands for Citizens Applauding Responsible Enterprise. Green Dubuque organizes CARE Bombs, where members and other community members make an effort to get a large group of people to shop at a local store on the same day, purchasing as much as possible from a locally -owned business. Green Drinks: The local chapter of an international movement meets monthly to network and discuss sustainability topics. Complete Streets: Green Dubuque members have taken a leadership role in advocating for both a local and state policy on complete streets, providing analysis on economic impact, education to staff and elected officials, and advocacy support. Dubuque Community GHG Reduction Task Force: See page 8 for additional detail and update. REASONABLE MOBILITY Government: SW Arterial (Top Priority): The Southwest Arterial project is the No. 1 surface transportation priority in the Dubuque area and will provide for a 6.1 -mile four -lane divided freeway with priority 1- access control 47 between Highway 61/151 and Highway 20. Mobility Benefits: The Southwest Arterial project will connect two growing sections of the community together and will support future anticipated expansion growth to the southwest of the City toward the Dubuque Regional Airport. The Southwest Arterial will also provide an efficient bypass around the City thereby reducing travel times and minimizing delay by reducing traffic volumes and congestion on the local street system. Environmental Benefits: The Southwest Arterial project will provide an alternate, direct and efficient route for traffic through southwestern Dubuque, which will provide significant travel time savings by avoiding the numerous signalized intersections on Highway 61/151, Highway 20 and Central Avenue (Hwy 52/3) through Dubuque, thereby providing fuel energy savings, reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality. The Southwest Arterial project will be designed and constructed with forward thinking sustainability initiative incorporated, which will include an environmentally and resource sensitive highway corridor, an integrated bike / pedestrian trail with amenities, and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology. Passenger Rail (Mgt Agenda, High Priority): The proposed project, which was identified as an Envision 2010 goal, will reestablish passenger rail transportation to the Chicago — Dubuque Corridor and improve freight rail transportation by upgrading the railroad infrastructure. The overall project area lies along the 300 - kilometer (180 -mile) Chicago — Dubuque rail corridor, which extends in a northwest direction across the state of Illinois between Chicago, Illinois, and Dubuque, Iowa. The improvements proposed lie primarily within existing railroad rights -of -way with minimal work adjacent to the track. The Chicago - Rockford- Dubuque corridor project will rehabilitate existing rail infrastructure to current maximum operating speeds of up to 60 mph to restore previous intercity passenger rail service. This project is the first step in achieving a more balanced modal use of the transportation network by leveraging the existing railroad infrastructure to restore intercity passenger train service that was discontinued in 1981. The need for the project stems from the lack of modal options in the corridor. Highway -based modes, including automobiles and bus service, face growing traffic congestion that cause travel delays and unreliable schedules, inherent safety risks, and air quality impacts. This project is the first step in achieving modal balance in the transportation system between these two cities with an environmentally friendly, reliable and convenient travel option. Highway -based modes, including automobiles and bus service, face growing traffic congestion that cause travel delays and unreliable schedules, inherent safety risks, and air quality impacts. This project is the first step in achieving modal balance in the transportation system between these two cities with an environmentally friendly, reliable and convenient travel option. Intermodal Facility (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): The City of Dubuque has been planning for the construction of an Intermodal Transportation Center in Dubuque for several years. The center is envisioned to provide passenger train access from an elevated platform for passenger rail service running between Dubuque and Chicago. Other components of the project will include: construction of an elevated parking structure with a capacity for approximately 500 vehicles, a IP addressable video camera system, ticket booths at vehicle access points supporting the operation of a paid parking structure with the potential inclusion an automated traffic counter system, a hub for local transit and long distance bus 48 service, aspects that are pedestrian friendly and accessible which includes access to the center via bike lanes, public restrooms and provide for approximately 10,000 square feet of retail or commercial office space and /or childcare area. The center must contain architectural aspects that enhance the overall esthetics of the site and further contribute to the overall vitality of the area. A key measurement for the success of the project will be the resulting smooth traffic flow in and out of the facility including convenient driveway connections to roadways that access other adjacent areas. The Phase I feasibility study and site selection process of the Intermodal Center is nearly complete. Phase II design work will begun once the final decision regarding the site selection is made. The center must contain architectural aspects that enhance the overall esthetics of the site and further contribute to the overall vitality of the area. A key measurement for the success of the project will be the resulting smooth traffic flow in and out of the facility including convenient driveway connections to roadways that access other adjacent areas. The vision for the ITC is that it will support transit connections, rail connections, vehicular parking, electric vehicle charging, bicycle parking, intercity bus, a passenger waiting area, taxicab stands, public restrooms (including lockers and showers /changing areas), a ticketing office along with the potential for retail space, a daycare facility, and possibly commercial office space. The consultants identified 11 potential sites for consideration. The review committee narrowed these options down to 2 sites through a ranking system established in conjunction with the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA). One site is in the Port of Dubuque and one in the Historic Millwork District. Medical Loop: The new Medical Loop, which was funded by a state grant and began in December 2010, replaced the old Orange Line. The Medical Loop proves increased service to the medical centers and clinics in Dubuque (e.g. Mercy and Finley Hospitals, Dubuque Internal Medicine, Medical Associates East, etc.), the colleges and universities, and regular service to S. Locust Hy -Vee and the S. Grandview area, this fixed route also proves deviated route ( "upon demand ") service to the KeyWest area (e.g. Dept. of Motor Vehicles and businesses in the immediate area), Mount Carmel, the YMCA, Mystique Casino, etc. ARC Transfer Center: A state grant was awarded for the Phase I building of a Transfer Center at Area Residential Care's (ARC) new facility. Phase I will be a canopy large enough for three fixed route buses to pull underneath. If funded (application will be filed in May 2011) Phase 11 will allow for the building of an enclosed waiting area with public bathroom facilities at the JFK Circle (the old Econo Foods store). A lease agreement between ARC and the City will be drawn up for approval by City Council, and an RFP for the actual canopy design will be released. Shopping Circulator: The Shopping Circulator, which will start October 2011, is also a state grant. The Shopping Circulator route will link the major shopping centers located on the west end of Dubuque and will operate on an hourly basis. Transfers between the Shopping Circulator and the Red, Green and /or Grey Lines will occur at the JFK Circle. 49 Smarter Travel: The partnership between IBM and The Jule on the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) study and "First Of A Kind" (FOAK) is beginning to move forward. It is anticipated that the volunteer recruitment and subsequent first phase of the study will be underway by March or April of 2011. Annual Asphalt Overlay Paving Program: The Public Works Department's annual Asphalt Overlay Program, which began in 1993, has paved 159 centerline miles of Dubuque's streets over the subsequent years. While asphalt is an oil -based paving material, since 2007 the program has been reclaiming and reusing old asphalt milled from the streets to be paved. With up to 20% of the "new" asphalt actually containing old, reclaimed asphalt from the City's streets, this program now has a significantly smaller resource, fossil fuel, and carbon footprint. Community impacts include reduced program cost, along with the noted reduced resource, fossil fuel, and carbon footprints. Bicycle /Pedestrian Network: In 2009, Dubuque was the first city in the metro area to adopt the 2008 Tri -State Area Trail Plan for a bike /hike network to encourage recreation and wellness, provide safe routes to school, and promote alternative modes of transportation to help reduce air pollution and roadway congestion. Since 2006, the City has received $434,000 in grants for bike /hike trails. Most recently, the City partnered with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs to create bilingual trail signs, map kiosks, and a bilingual trail map brochure that identifies trailheads, which include map kiosks, parking and other amenities, and trail map kiosk locations. The major ongoing new trail project in Dubuque is the continued extension of the Iowa 32 Bike /Hike Trail along the Northwest Arterial. This trail provides an important and safe connection for bike and pedestrian traffic between the Heritage Trail and the City's trail system, and the west side of Dubuque -- the city's fastest growing shopping, employment and residential area. Approximately 2 miles are built with another 2 -mile segment expected to be completed in 2011. Leisure Services Department: • Trail projects -NW Arterial Ph 1 2008, Ph II 2010, Bergfeld Rec Trail 2010 Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: CLEAN WATER Government: Permeable Pavement/Green Alley: The City of Dubuque began in fiscal year 2011 an annual program for reconstructing Dubuque alleys using permeable pavement. The City currently has three green alleys that utilize either porous asphalt pavement or interlocking concrete pavers which allow stormwater to pass through the pavement. These alleys help reduce stormwater runoff by infiltrating and cleaning the water before it reaches the City's aquifers. In the spring of 2011 another alley will be reconstructed using interlocking concrete pavers. This alley is located between Washington and Elm from 18th to 19th 50 Streets. The alley abuts Orange Park near Crescent Community Health Center. construction of the alley is expected to be complete by August 1, 2011. Rain Gardens: A rain garden is a specially designed garden, with a man -made depression, that collects and infiltrates stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are usually planted with native flowers, plants, or grasses. The deep root structures of the native plants allow the rain water and runoff to infiltrate back down into the ground rather than to run off of the property thus managing the stormwater on site. Each rain garden design is unique and dependant on the site condition and the owner's personal tastes. Bee Branch (Mgt Agenda, Top Priority): Project involves the daylighing of 4,500 feet of the buried Bee Branch storm sewer. Episodic damage to public and private property due to flooding results in recurring expenditures related to repairing damages. Moreover, it leads to a reluctance to improve property or even maintain property. • Update on Property Acquisitions: o Sixty five residential properties have been acquired. Only four remain which are on schedule to be acquired by the end of April. o Nine non - residential properties have been acquired. Only twelve remain. • Update on Design: o Design of the first phase of the project, the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is complete. o Design of the second and last phase of the project, the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration project is on schedule to be complete by July 1, 2011. • Update on Construction: o Construction of the Lower Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project started in the fall of 2010 and is on schedule to be completed by the September 2011 deadline. o Construction of the Upper Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is on schedule to start in the fall of 2011. Water Pollution Control Plant Upgrade: The City Council during its fy2006 goal setting process listed the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) one of its high priorities. Following the Council's direction the process of planning for the WPCP improvements began. During the summer of 2006 a State Revolving Fund (SRF) planning and design loan was applied for and plant upgrades were placed on the IDNR Intended Use Plan schedule. In February 2007 a Request for Proposal (RFP) was released to the public and following the interview process the firm of Strand Associates of Madison Wisconsin was selected to develop the Facility Plan for WPCP upgrades. Public meetings were held in October and December 2007 to seek public input in the planning process and in April 2008 a meeting was held to inform local businesses of the project and to seek their input. The Council approved the Facility Plan in June 2008 and the plan was submitted for approval to IDNR. In October 2008 the team of Strand Associates /IIW Engineers was approved by council to proceed with the design of the WPCP upgrades. In January 2010 90% design documents were presented to City Staff for review and on March 1, 2010 the City Council authorized City Staff to submit the design for review to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Council was requested at the April 5, 2010 meeting to authorize that bids be let for the construction of the upgrades. At the March 1, 2010 meeting City Council authorized 51 City Staff to apply for a construction permit from IDNR and a Storm Water Management permit for construction activities was signed and submitted for transmittal to IDNR March 26, 2010. The Storm Water Management Permit was signed by IDNR staff on April 1, 2010 and the Construction Permit was signed by IDNR staff on April 5, 2010. Bids were received May 20, 2010 and the process for applying for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan will begin once the final form of contract is completed and signed. The SRF loan closed August 18, 2010. The bids for the WPCP were received May 20, 2010 and a date of June 21, 2010 was requested for the public hearing and approval of the bid documents. The low bidder was Miron Construction of Cedar Rapids Iowa with a base bid of $49,750,000. Council approval was received at the June 21, 2010 to proceed with project at the base bid plus three alternatives for a total construction cost of $50,507,328.At the June 21, 2010 meeting the council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and sign a contract with Miron Construction of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The contract was executed with Miron Construction August 18, 2010 and the notice to proceed was issued August 19, 2010. Construction is estimated to take approximately 30 months from the start of activity. Demolition of various process and structures is proceeding as these units are available. The new water line has been installed and the storm sewer line is in the process of being installed. Work has begun on construction of the digesters. Work is proceeding on the UV system with a goal of being operational by mid March of 2011. At the very outset of the project sustainability has been in the forefront of the process, from the selection of the design professionals to the selection of the anaerobic digestion process for bio- solids management. In addition to these the following items have a significant sustainability component; 1. The use of low mow and native grasses for landscaping 2. Incorporation of rain gardens for storm -water management 3. Using plant effluent as a heating /cooling source for the Admin /Lab building 4. Energy Star rating for the Admin /Lab building 5. Combined Heat and Power utilizing digester gas 6. Possible Energy Star Rating for the entire plant 7. Elimination of the use of Chlorine gas for disinfection 8. Reuse of existing structures for new purposes 9. Researching utilizing available digester space for high strength organics and /ot food residuals for addition energy production. Progress continues on the WPCP upgrade project. #1 and #3 digesters bases are being formed, reinforced and poured. #2 and #4 are being dug and shaped to proceed after #1 and #3 bases are completed. The UV system is moving forward and scheduled to be ready for training and start-up by the last week in March and be ready for use in April. The new water line is complete and storm water piping continues as weather and conditions allow. One of the areas for a rain garden is being prepared. The South incinerator has been removed and the floor is being prepared for the main heat exchangers for the digesters. Electrical work continues in all areas of the plant installing conduit prior to pouring floors in major areas. The laboratory addition is schedule to begin in April. Strand Associates submitted the cogeneration report for the combined heat and power system. RFP's for the Bio- Solids management program was released and the proposals are due March 14. Once the proposals are reviewed an interview process will take place to select the firm for Bio- Solids Management. 52 Leisure Services Department: • Bunker Hill Golf Course tree donation program 2006 -2010 • Flora & Sutton pools paper recycling 2006 • Flora Park Bioswale Project 2009 • Eagle Point Park Stormwater control Project • Bergfeld Recreation Area Prairie Installation Public Works Department: Household Hazardous Materials Regional Collection Center ( HHMRCC): The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). An Agency program dating back to the 1990's is its Household Hazardous Materials Regional Collection Center (HHMRCC). Initially a once - per -year special event staged at the Dubuque County fairgrounds, the program is focused on keeping hazardous materials out of the DMASWA Landfill. Based on the premise that landfills are not perfect and that they all eventually leak, the intent of the program is to ensure that hazardous chemicals are not contained in that leachate. By 1998, the Agency funded and established a permanent year -round collection and storage facility at its Landfill. Citizens are encouraged to take their paint, solvents, automotive chemicals, cleaning fluids, etc. to the Agency's RCC for reuse or incineration at no cost to them. A small fee is charged small businesses and governmental entities to cover the cost of the service provider. The HHMRCC Program also provides staff and equipment support for special, one day collection events at locations throughout the Agency's two- county service area. The measureable outcomes would include pounds /tons of hazardous materials collected and managed annually. E -Scrap Recycling Program. Founded by the Agency in 2006, the Agency educates and encourages its customers to recycle, versus landfill, their old television sets, VCRs, cell phones, computers, and other electronic entertainment and communication devices. While such household items are allowed to be landfilled by federal and Iowa regulations, the Agency provides a recycling alternative for a fee. The fee, while more than what is charged for landfilling, is needed to cover the cost charged by the Agency's recycling service provider. Given a recent drop in the number and weight of the e-scrap brought to the Agency for recycling, and the generally - acknowledged toxicity of some e-scrap components, the Agency is currently considering an e-scrap landfilling ban. The most significant measurable outcomes for this program would be the number and /or weight of e- scrap items recycled. Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Recycling Program. Begun in 2009 due to the increasing national concern regarding the mercury contained in CFLs and the increasing number of old CFLs being sent to landfills for disposal, the Agency established a free dropoff program for Dubuque and Delaware county residents. Through the Agency's website, its biannual Recycling and Reuse Guide, its advertisements, and presentations by its Education and Communication Coordinator, the Agency makes its customers aware of the twenty -one (21) locations throughout the two counties where the CFLs can be dropped off for recycling. The most significant measurable outcome would be the number of pounds of CFLs diverted and recycled by this program annually. The primary community impact in future years is cleaner leachate and groundwater at the DMASWA Landfill. Business: 53 Non - Profit: Rain Barrel Sales: In 2010, nine local non - profits and businesses partnered to hold a spring rain barrel sale at the Downtown Farmers Market. Over 300 barrels were sold. This increase in community awareness of the tool has led to area businesses carrying the barrels for purchase. A "Build Your Own Rain Barrel" event will be hosted this spring for individuals who are interested in using recycled materials to build their own rain barrel. Schools: People & Neighborhoods: HEALTHY AIR Government: Air Quality Task Force: In November 2009, the DMATS Board facilitated a meeting with the Iowa DNR to discuss air quality data in Dubuque and the surrounding area. From this meeting, city and ECIA staff recommended forming a public /private partnership to study the data and work on improving air quality. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation was approached and agreed to facilitate an Air Quality Task Force, which would consist of local government and business representatives. GDDC engaged businesses who had a stake in local air quality. After several meetings, the Task Force agreed that further study of our air quality was needed to: 1) determine if there are local factors contributing to poor air quality outcomes; and 2) how can we improve air quality regardless of local factors. The results of UN l's analysis may show a need for a more detailed study to determine an action plan. GDDC continues to facilitate local business and government working together on air quality. Public Information Office: • Implementation of online bill pay on the City's website saves citizens a trip to City Hall and from mailing the payment. • Online service requests make contacting the City easy to do from home or work, saving a trip to a City facility. Transit Fleet Replacement: In 2010 two large federal grants were awarded to The Jule (formally known as Keyline Transit): State of Good Repairs at $2.3 million dollars and Clean Fuels at $1.5 million dollars. These two grants, coupled with vehicle replacement money from the State, will allow for the replacement of the entire transit fleet (both fixed route and mini bus). All new buses will use Clean Diesel engines, a proven technology that will allow for increased fuel efficiency and lower engine emissions. The State of Good Repairs grant also allows for the purchase of ITS equipment for both fixed route and mini bus service. This equipment is expected to help increase efficiency and effectiveness of the transit service. This equipment will include, but is not limited to: an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system along with web -based software that will allow passengers to see when the next bus will arrive to a particular bus stop; LED display boards that will be placed a key transfer points to display pending arrival time(s) of the next bus, as well as (e.g.) public service announcements; an Automatic Voice Announcement (AVA) system that will announce the approach of (e.g.) major intersections and points of interest for passengers that have a visual impairment (or who are otherwise not familiar with the area); an electronic fare collection system that will broaden the choice and type of bus passes, as well as allow for better ridership data collection; Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) that will 54 allow for real -time dispatching in mini bus service; new scheduling software for mini bus service to work in conjunction with the MDTs; camera (security) systems on both fixed route and mini bus; etc. Sprinter Bus Replacement: In late December /early January 2011 The Jule accepted the delivery of three new Sprinter buses, one of which is owned by the City and the other two by the RTA. The two RTA buses were purchased through a RTA capital (vehicle) grand, with the local match paid by the City. A four -year lease agreement was signed, with the local match to be used as payment on the lease agreement. Some of the electronic equipment will come in during FY2011, and the rest in FY2012. Public Works Department: Landfill Methane Collection System Project : The Public Works Department provides administrative and operating staff support to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA or "Agency "). One of the Agency's recent initiatives relevant to the Healthy Air principle is its Landfill Methane Collection System Project. Begun in FY10 and completed in FY11, a methane collection system was installed in the Agency's oldest "closed" landfill cells. Since project completion in September of 2010, the methane is being measured immediately before it is flared off. By flaring the methane, the Agency is significantly reducing the greenhouse gases previously emitted by its landfill facility. The Agency's Board of Directors is currently evaluating how its methane will eventually be used. As of February of 2011, the Agency and the City of Dubuque are jointly interviewing industry experts regarding retaining one to counsel both entities regarding the best end -use of the Agency's landfill methane and the methane that will be produced by the renovated City of Dubuque Water Pollution Control Plant. Anticipated future measurable outcomes include amount of usable methane produced annually by each facility and revenue garnered and /or costs avoided. Clean Diesel & Biofuels Technology: The Public Works Department is spearheading the City's conversion of its diesel - engined truck and heavy equipment fleet to the use of "clean diesel" technology. To date, sixteen (16) heavy trucks and six (6) heavy equipment machines have been replaced with units equipped with clean diesel engines. Clean diesel engines produce fewer airborne particulates and reduced harmful emissions. The most measurable outcome for this conversion program would be the number of "dirty diesel" versus "clean diesel" units in the department at any given time. The Public Works Department has also spearheaded the City's use of biofuels in its many trucks and heavy equipment. Its diesel - engined trucks and heavy equipment use 20% biodiesel during warm weather months and 5% biodiesel during the coldest months. Departmental light vehicles use 85% ethanol in their gasoline engines year- round. The most likely measurable outcome would be total departmental fuel usage by type annually. Fire Department: • Pumper replacement schedule provides for diesel engines that meet lower emission standards • Hazmat — prevents and mitigates chemical spills and protects environment • Fire suppression — reduces air contamination • Fire prevention — reduces number of fires and emissions to atmosphere • Turnout gear cleaning project controls the spread of contaminants after fire or incident into community 55 Leisure Services Department: • Trail projects- NW Arterial Ph 1 2008, Ph II 2010, Bergfeld Rec Trail 2010 • Bunker Hill Golf Course tree donation program 2006 -2010 • Department incandescent Tight fixture replacement to CFL 2007 - 11 • Eagle Point park Bridge Complex Renovation - Replace all lights with LED fixtures 2010 Business: Non - Profit: Schools: Dubuque Sustainably Smart Schools: 2010/11 6 -month progress - During the 6 month period of July through December for the 2010/11 school year, the District surpassed its previous progress with 1,398,301 lbs. (634 metric tonnes) of greenhouse gas / CO2 emissions avoided; the equivalent of removing 122 passenger vehicles* from our streets and roads for one year. People & Neighborhoods: NATIVE PLANTS & ANIMALS Government: Sustainable Development Tools: The City's 2009 UDC requires that new subdivisions achieve a minimum score of 40 points by utilizing approved sustainable subdivision development tools. These tools include Conservation Subdivision design, in which development is clustered to optimize open space, preserve natural features, protect environmentally sensitive areas, and minimize infrastructure demands. These tools also include the provision that native and regionally appropriate trees and vegetation are preserved or planted, which limits turf grass, limits water demand, improves infiltration or filtration, and enhances the natural environment. Such vegetation is to be phased so denuded areas are quickly vegetated. Turf grass should not exceed 30% of the landscaped area. Mines of Spain: The 1,387 -acre Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque has served as a focal point for environmental and cultural educational programs and interpretive activities for the tri -state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin for many years. Burgeoning interest in the rich history of the tri -state area and growing awareness of the significance of the Mississippi River and its watershed created greater demands for exhibits and educational programming. Demand for more programs and services increased over time. Continued success and growth in visitation, interpretation and education were inhibited by space limitations. More space was needed at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the State Recreation Area. In response, the Friends of the Mines of Spain (FOMOS) planned and coordinated an expansion that updated and more than doubled the original space for educational purposes. The FOMOS raised private, local, state and federal funds for the expansion and education project. They raised $1,575,569 -- $98,575 over the cost estimate of $1,476,994 for the expansion. Construction began in September 2009, and was completed a year 56 later. The Friends also raised an additional $325,000 for enhanced exhibits and educational programming. Thanks to excellence in interpretive support by the FOMOS, the Interpretive Center now welcomes visitors to one of the region's best - conserved natural and cultural resources, where people can explore the history and natural riches of the park. The updated exhibits at the Interpretive Center invite visitors to discover the history, geology, and ecology of the park and region, and prepare the visitor for forays onto the many trails and interpretive sites throughout the Mines of Spain. The Interpretive Center has displays on the park's historic farm site, archeology, prairies, woodlands, wetlands, lead mining, Native Americans, and wildlife of the park on both the upper and lower levels. The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area includes woodlands, prairie, and blufflands that overlook the Mississippi River along a 3 -mile shoreline. The Mines of Spain includes a variety of interesting land forms, plant species and communities, animals and water types. A large portion of the area is rugged, wooded Mississippi River bluffland. While much of the original timber along the River was logged off during the steamboat era (1865- 1880), portions of the Mines of Spain were left untouched, leaving us with burr oak trees today that are over 250 years old. Portions of the park have seen diverse use over the years: cattle grazing, row cropping, logging, and mining and quarrying. Other portions remain much as they were when Julien Dubuque arrived in 1788. The Mines of Spain is located in close proximity to the Mississippi River which, of course, features 2,400 miles of habitat for numerous species, including some threatened and endangered species. There are significant archeological features in the parksite. The park is located in the river valley below Dubuque's bluffs, the globally significant Driftless Region. The park is generally bounded by the Mississippi River on the east, Catfish Creek on the north and Granger Creek on the west. There is significant tree cover on the site of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center Some of the resources in the Mines of Spain include: 3 miles of Mississippi River shoreline, 14.5 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of cross country ski trails, 4 interpretive trails, 252 archaeological sites, historical monuments and a variety of wildlife. It also boasts some of the most diverse ecological habitats ranging from blufflands that overlook the river to 320+ acres of tall grass prairies, 959+ acres of forested woodlands and 18 acres of wetland. It is home to 468 plant species, 37 animal species, and 213 bird species. Native American mounds are currently being cleared of brush and trees to prevent the uprooting of artifacts. The mounds will either be burned or mowed for management of the vegetation in the future. Other archeological sites have been planted to native prairie to bring back a historic landscape and others that are within the forested areas have been left untouched. The objectives of reestablishing vegetation on cropland are to reduce erosion, create wildlife habitat and reconstruct examples of original native vegetation. The current management has been to replace most of the farm grounds and restore them to native prairie to create a landscape that dates back to the 1700's. Sixty acres has been left in farming in the south end of the park to create a feeling that farming had an important role historically in the park. The farm land is also left in the park to protect archeological features and provide wildlife habitat. The tall grass prairies, hill top 57 prairies and savanna areas are burned on a five year rotation. Plans are to restore five savanna areas that lay adjacent to prairies sites. Leisure Services Department: • Bunker Hill Golf Course tree donation program 2006 -2010 • From your Garden to your Tummy class 2010 • Growing in Garden & Outdoor Fun 2009 • Bergfeld Recreation Area Prairie Installation GIS assisted Parks Division in GPSing and identifying locations of native plantings near Bergfeld Recreation Area and new recreational trail, as well as Eagle Point Park. Library: Hosted nature seven Nature Days and one Flower Power public event from 2006 - present. Bee Branch: The City, in partnership with Black Hills Energy and other community partners, has obtained a Trees Forever grant to plant 1,000 trees in Phase I of the Bee Branch project, valued at over $6,000. Volunteers from the neighborhood will be engaged in the planting of the trees. Business: Non - Profit: Schools: People & Neighborhoods: 58